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Flag | Anthem | Coat of Arms | Animal | Flower

National Flag
The Malaysian flag, named Jalur Gemilang with effect from August 31 1997, consist of 14 red and white stripes of equal width, a union of carton of dark blue, a crescent and a star. The red and white stripes stand for the equal status in the Federation of the member states and the Federal government. The union of carton of dark blue in the upper quarter of the flag next to the staff represents the unity of the people of Malaysia. The union contains the crescent which is the symbol of Islam, and the star with its 14 points symbolises the unity of the 13 states of the Federation with the Federal government. The yellow of the crescent and the star is the royal color of the hereditary Malay Rulers.

National Anthem
Negara Ku (My Country)
Malaysian map Original Malaysian Words:
Negara ku, tanah tumpahnya darah ku
Rakyat hidup bersatu dan maju Rahmat bahagia, Tuhan kurniakan
Raja kita selamat bertakhta (repeat previous two lines)

English Translation: My country, my native land
The people living united and progressive
May God bestow blessing and happiness
May our Ruler have a successful reign (repeat previous two lines)
Lyrics: Special Committee; Music: Based on Old Malayan Folk Tune; Adopted: 1957

National Coat of Arms
The Coat-of-Arms has a 14-pointed star representing the equal status of the 13 Federation members and the Federal government. The star and the crescent are traditional symbols of Islam, the official religion of Malaysia. The five dagger-like keris represent the former Unfederated Malay States, namely Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, and Terengganu; while the four former Federated Malay States of Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak and Selangor are represented by the four centre panels, the permutation of whose colours represent their respective colours -- red, black and yellow for Negeri Sembilan; black and white for Pahang; black, white and yellow for Perak; and red and yellow for Selangor. The left hand division of the shield represents the state of Pulau Pinang, and the right-hand division with the Melaka tree, the state of Melaka. The states of Sabah and Sarawak are respectively represented on the lower left and right sections, while in the centre is the Hibiscus flower, the national flower of Malaysia. The tigers on both sides of the shield are retained from the earlier armorial ensign of the Federation of Malaya, and prior to that of the Federated Malay States. The yellow colour of the scroll containing the motto in Roman and Jawi script is the royal color of the rulers.

National Animal
The tiger has aptly been chosen as the national animal of Malaysia. It is included in the national armorial bearings. Although seldom seen, tigers are not uncommon in the Malaysian jungle. Known as the Lord of the Jungle, in contrast to the lion’s position as the King of Beasts, tigers constitute little serious threat to human beings unless wounded or very old and feeble. Together with panthers and leopards, the tiger is a local member of the cat family.

National Flower
The national flower of Malaysia is the hibiscus (Rosa Sinensis), or as it is locally known the Bunga Raya. No one knows when the flower was first introduced to Malaysia, but undoubtedly it came via trade from its original home in China, Japan and the Pacific islands probably before the 12th century. From early times, the hibiscus has been known to have many uses, mostly medicinal. Its petals were commonly used to darken and enhance women’s eyebrows; while some people still use the roots of the hibiscus plant as a cure for fever and other ailments. Skin eruptions and glandular troubles are said to be relieved by the application of the juice obtained from its leaves and roots while a poultice prepared from the leaves is often applied to cure headaches. The Bunga Raya is found in abundance throughout the country, and has many variieties and colours. Malaysians, however, have chosen the red five-petalled type as their national flower.

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