Before Malaysia proudly waved the Jalur Gemilang, the country was under British rule flying the Union Jack during the reign of King George VI. But in the years leading to independence, a nationwide movement sparked the creation of a new flag one that would represent unity, faith, and identity.
Here’s the untold story behind the birth of Malaysia’s flag and how a 29-year-old architect helped shape history.
Under King George: Flags of Colonial Malaya
Before Merdeka in 1957, Malaya flew several colonial-era flags:
- The Union Jack (British national flag)
- The Federated Malay States flag (1895–1946)
- The Malayan Union flag (1946–1948)
- The early Federation of Malaya flag (1948–1950s)
Tu bukan bendera Malayan Union. Tu bendera Negeri-Negeri Melayu Bersekutu (Federated Malay States). 4 jalur lambang Perak, Selangor, Pahang, N9. pic.twitter.com/m4g7GW8iNi
— Ayman Rashdan Wong (@AymanRashdanW) August 23, 2020
These flags were tied to British rule and didn’t represent local culture or people. That changed with a bold idea: a public contest.
The 1949 National Flag Design Competition
To prepare for self-rule, the government launched a national flag competition in 1949. Over 373 Malaysians submitted designs, a strong symbol of public participation.
Out of those, three designs were shortlisted and published in The Malay Mail for public voting.
The 3 Final Flag Designs
Design 1
- 11 blue and white stripes
- Red canton with yellow crescent and star
Design 2
- Stars in a circular formation, no crescent
- More Western-style, lacked Islamic identity
Design 3 (Winner)
- 11 red and white stripes
- Blue canton with yellow crescent and 11-pointed star
- Represented unity, Islam, and sovereignty
This winning design was created by Mohamed Hamzah, a 29-year-old architect from Johor’s Public Works Department. It was the clear public favourite.
How the Final Flag Was Modified
After winning the vote, Design 3 was adjusted:
- Crescent direction changed
- Star upgraded to 11 points
- Final colours fixed: red, white, blue, and yellow
The design was approved by the Federal Legislative Council and officially adopted on 26 May 1950.
The flag was first raised at the Sultan of Selangor’s palace.
1957: Merdeka and the Rise of Jalur Gemilang
On 31 August 1957, the Union Jack was lowered for the final time, and the new national flag was raised at Stadium Merdeka.
It marked Malaya’s independence and a new identity under one flag.
1963: From Malaya to Malaysia
In 1963, when Malaysia was formed (with Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore), the flag evolved:
- 14 stripes and 14-pointed star
- Represented all states + federal government
Even after Singapore left in 1965, the 14th stripe and star point remain, now symbolizing the federal territories.
The flag was officially named Jalur Gemilang (Stripes of Glory) in 1997.
Sources:
Malay Mail Archives – 1949 Design Contest (via public domain records)
