The Coat of Arms of Malaysia, officially adopted on 10 February 1963, has undergone several revisions, with the current version being standardized in 1988. It reflects the country's political structure and cultural heritage, combining elements from the indigenous Malay kingdoms and the diverse ethnic groups that make up modern Malaysia.
Design and Symbolism
The primary elements of the Coat of Arms of Malaysia are as follows:
Shield: The shield is the focal point of the Coat of Arms of Malaysia and is intricately detailed to represent the various states of the country. Let's take a closer look at each element on the shield:
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Krisses: Adorning the top of the shield are five krisses (traditional Malay daggers) which symbolize the five original states of the Federation that were not part of the Federated Malay States, namely Johor, Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan, and Trengganu. The kriss is a powerful emblem of Malay culture and heritage, representing nobility, strength, and justice.
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Penang Symbol: On the top left of the shield, there is an areca (pinang) palm, representing the state of Penang, alongside an image of the Penang Bridge, symbolizing progress and connectivity.
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Malacca Symbol: The top right of the shield showcases a Melaka tree, signifying the state of Malacca. This symbolizes the historical significance of Malacca as a powerful maritime trading state and its colonial heritage as part of the Straits Settlements.
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Federal States Colors: The center of the shield is divided into four equal rectangles, each colored to represent the flags of the largest federated Malay states: Pahang is black and white, Selangor is red and yellow, Perak is black, white, and yellow, and Negeri Sembilan is represented by red, black, and yellow.
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Sabah Symbol: The bottom left of the shield bears a representation of Mount Kinabalu, a symbol of the state of Sabah, alluding to its natural beauty and cultural significance.
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Sarawak Symbol: On the bottom right, there is a hornbill, symbolizing the state of Sarawak. The hornbill is a bird deeply intertwined with the indigenous cultures of Borneo, where Sarawak is located.
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Hibiscus: Between the symbols of Sabah and Sarawak is the hibiscus, or bunga raya, which is the national flower of Malaysia. It stands for the unity and diversity of the country's various cultural groups.
Tigers: Two tigers standing on either side of the shield serve as the supporters. These animals are symbols of strength and courage and are also considered the national animal of Malaysia.
Crescent and Star: At the top of the shield is a crescent and a fourteen-pointed star known as the Bintang Persekutuan or Federal Star. The crescent represents Islam, the country's official religion, while the star symbolizes the unity of the thirteen states of Malaysia and the federal territories.
Motto: Below the shield, there is a banner with the national motto "Bersekutu Bertambah Mutu" written in Roman and Jawi script, which translates to "Unity is Strength."
Colors: The colors on the shield represent different aspects of the nation: red stands for strength and bravery, white for purity and honesty, yellow for royalty and the sovereignty of the Malay rulers, and black for the strength and richness of the people.
Modern Application
Today, the Coat of Arms of Malaysia is used officially on government documents, currency, and national events. It is a symbol that can be found in public buildings, schools, and other institutions, indicating its governance and legitimacy.
Conclusion
The Coat of Arms of Malaysia embodies the country's historical roots, cultural diversity, and political unity. It is more than just a symbol; it represents the national identity and serves as a reminder of the shared values and aspirations of its people.