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40-482: The buildings figured prominently in the Malaysian independence movement , with several meetings held there. Since Independence in 1957, it has been used as residences for visiting dignitaries (1957–1989), and as a luxury hotel (1989–2015). Since 2017, it has been used as a museum. Carcosa Seri Negara refers to two buildings, the larger Carcosa and the smaller (and newer) Seri Negara (or King's House). The Carcosa mansion

80-623: A mythical city in the horror short story collection The King in Yellow . Swettenham assumed the word was a portmanteau of two Italian words, cara and casa , intended to mean "desirable dwelling". Seri Negara ('Beautiful Country' in Malay), was originally known as the Governor's Residence when it was opened in 1913 as the official guest house of Governor of the Straits Settlement. It was later known as

120-566: A nationwide public holiday in addition to Hari Merdeka on 31 August. The 2012 theme proved to be controversial, as it was seen by many Malaysians to be a political slogan rather than a patriotic one ( Janji Ditepati was Najib Razak 's campaign jingle in the run-up to the 2013 elections ). The official "logo" was also ridiculed for its unconventional design. A video of the theme song uploaded on YouTube (with lyrics penned by Rais Yatim ) garnered an overwhelming number of "dislikes" because of its overtly political content, which had nothing to do with

160-453: A policy announced by the then Minister of Communication and Multimedia Ahmad Shabery Cheek , Hari Merdeka celebrations are to be held without mentioning the number of years since independence. This is to be more inclusive of Sabah and Sarawak, who left British rule in a different year. The Minister of Land Development of Sarawak, the late James Jemut Masing , responded to this announcement by stating that Malaysia Day on 16 September should be

200-520: A renewable 10-year term. Carcosa and the Guest's Palace both served as hotels, with the latter rebranded as Seri Negara. Marketed as a luxurious heritage boutique hotel, much of the mansions' colonial architecture and interior designs were preserved, carefully adapted, and complemented with colonial-themed hotel service. In its inaugural year as a hotel, Carcosa Seri Negara served as the temporary official residence for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip when

240-562: A succession of post-independence diplomatic British High Commissioners . The Carcosa "issue" was taken up by young radical politicians, in particular Anwar Ibrahim and Mahathir Mohamad , his mentor. Tun Daim Zainuddin successfully led the campaign for the Malaysian government to own it, yet again. In 1987, possession of the Carcosa estate was returned to the Government of Malaysia . Soon after

280-669: Is 'Malaysia Madani: Determination in Unity, Fulfilling Hope'. The theme was selected to strengthen the spirit of unity and to achieve the shared aspirations for a stronger Malaysia by government of Anwar Ibrahim . Legally, Hari Merdeka is the official independence day of 'the federation' as defined in the Article 160 of the Constitution of Malaysia , which was that established under the Federation of Malaya Agreement 1957. However, beginning in 2015, in

320-469: Is celebrated as Malaysia Day . Hari Merdeka continued to be celebrated on 31 August, the original independence date of Malaya, while Malaysia Day became a public holiday only in East Malaysia. This caused discontent among East Malaysians in particular, it being sometimes felt that celebrating the national day on 31 August is Malaya-centric. In 2009, it was decided that starting 2010, Malaysia Day would be

360-586: Is dead; Die thou, unsung, as tears unshed Shall dry and die in Lost Carcosa.” I did not call the Resident General’s dwelling “Government House,” or “King’s House,” because neither seemed an appropriate name in Protected States. I did not give it a Malay name, because it was to be the residence of a British Officer; so I took a book name as has often been done before. As to the word Carcosa, I imagine it

400-417: Is defined in article 160 of the Constitution of Malaysia . The day is marked by official and unofficial ceremonies and observances across the country. The observation of 31 August as Malaysia's national day is the cause of some controversy, with calls to prioritize the celebration of Malaysia Day ( Hari Malaysia ) on 16 September instead. Malaysia Day commemorates the formation of Malaysia in 1963, when

440-454: Is that this name was prophetic for, as I understand, the house has lost its name and is thus, “Lost Carcosa.” The occupant, I am told, is now styled “F.S,” instead of “R.G.” Yours obediently, FRANK SWETTENHAM 19 April 1936.  — Letter to the Editor of “British Malaya”, published May 1936 According to a letter he wrote in 1936, Swettenham chose the name Carcosa from the name of

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480-675: The 1989 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting was held in Kuala Lumpur. By 2000, Carcosa was subdivided into seven suites, and Seri Negara held six more, each with a personal butler. After the lease for the estate was officially transferred from Landmark to Saujana in December 2010, only Seri Negara resumed operation as a hotel, carrying the Carcosa Seri Negara brand on its own. Carcosa was largely vacated, confined to limited uses, and had been reported to receive only basic maintenance. After

520-612: The King's House . Swettenham moved into Carcosa during construction, and the official housewarming party was not held until August 28, 1898. During World War II , the headquarters of the Imperial Japanese Army occupation government of Malaya were at Carcosa Seri Negara. The Constitution of Malaysia was drafted in Seri Negara between 1955 and 1957. The Federation of Malaya Agreement was signed on August 8, 1957, at King's House, and

560-501: The April magazine your correspondent in Malaya asks me, in courteous terms, to tell him why I gave the name “ Carcosa ” to the house that was designed and built for me at Kuala Lumpur by the late Mr. C.E. Spooner, assisted by Mr. A.B. Hubback – as he was in those days – and I have no objection to answer the question even though the simple truth may spoil a number of excellent stories. When this house

600-685: The British Government as a gift, a token of goodwill. He moved a resolution in the Federal Legislative Council which read, "That this Council approve of the proposal to make a free gift of the house and buildings known as "Carcosa", together with the gardens and land attached, as a token of the goodwill of the Malayan people to Her Majesty's Government, for use as the residence and office of the future representative of that government in an Independent Federation." Carcosa then became residence to

640-549: The Malay states, foreign dignitaries, members of the federal cabinet, and citizens. The Queen 's representative, the Duke of Gloucester presented Tunku Abdul Rahman with the instrument of independence. Tunku then proceeded to read the Proclamation of Independence , which culminated in the chanting of "Merdeka!" seven times with the crowd joining in. The ceremony continued with the raising of

680-527: The Malayan people". Before giving the address to the crowd, he was given a necklace by representatives of the Alliance Party youth in honour of this great occasion in history, with a map of Malaya inscribed on it. The event ended at one in the morning. On the morning of 31 August 1957, the festivities moved to the newly completed Merdeka Stadium . More than 20,000 people witnessed the ceremony, which began at 9:30 am. Those in attendance included rulers of

720-460: The National Flag of Malaya accompanied by the national anthem being played by a military band and a 21-gun salute , followed by an azan call and a thanksgiving prayer in honour of this great occasion. The day followed with the solemn installation of the first Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Rahman of Negeri Sembilan , at Jalan Ampang, and the first installation banquet in his honour in

760-470: The National Recovery Plan (Pelan Pemulihan Negara) theme, Malaysia Menang Bersama (English: Malaysia Winning Together ). 2022 marks the first parade to be held after 2 years of hiatus caused by the pandemic, which was themed Keluarga Malaysia Teguh Bersama. A number of nearly 20,000 participants of various contingents involved in the parade. In 2023, the theme for Malaysia's Independence Day

800-404: The acquisition of the estate, the Malaysian government proceeded to repurpose the estate into a hotel, which opened in 1989, by leasing the estate to hospitality companies: first to Malaysia-based Landmark Hotels and Realty from 1989 to 2010 and then to Saujana Hotels & Resorts from 2010 to 2016. From 2004 to 2010, a Singapore-based company managed the day-to-day operations. The lease was set for

840-788: The day was set months earlier by Tunku Abdul Rahman in a meeting of the Alliance in Malacca in February 1957. On the night of 30 August 1957, more than 20,000 people gathered at Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka ) in Kuala Lumpur to witness the handover of power from the British. Prime Minister-designate Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj arrived at 11:58 p.m. and joined members of the Alliance Party 's youth divisions in observing two minutes of darkness. On

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880-416: The evening followed by a beating retreat performance and a fireworks display. Sports events and other events marked the birth of the new nation. The foreign guests of honour included: The Federation of Malaysia, comprising the states of the Federation of Malaya , North Borneo , Sarawak and Singapore , was officially declared on 31 August 1963, on the 6th anniversary of Malayan independence. However, it

920-553: The expiry of Saujana's lease on December 31, 2015, the hotel was entirely closed for business and the estate was placed under the safekeeping of the property and land management division of the Prime Minister's Department . Plans have been made to assign management of the buildings to the Kuala Lumpur City Hall , with a currently undetermined hospitality company conducting day-to-day operations. The Carcosa Seri Negara Logo

960-475: The four entities of North Borneo , Sarawak , Singapore and Malaya federated to form Malaysia. Some, especially people from East Malaysia , argue that it is illogical to celebrate 31 August 1957 as Malaysia's national day when Malaysia was only established in 1963. Supporters of Hari Merdeka argue that "the Federation" as defined in article 160 of the Malaysian constitution is the "Federation of Malaya" that

1000-484: The four independent countries namely Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak and North Borneo agreed to form Malaysia. And as everyone also knows, Singapore expelled by Malaysia in 1965 . List of High Commissioners of the United Kingdom to Malaysia The high commissioner of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Malaysia is the head of United Kingdom's diplomatic mission to Malaysia. The position has

1040-744: The property was then vacated by the British High Commissioner on August 31, 1957, when it was returned to the Malayan Government. It was then opened as the Istana Tetamu (Guest's Palace), hosting many visiting dignitaries, including Queen Elizabeth II in 1986. With Malayan independence imminent in September 1956, the Chief Minister of Malaya, Tunku Abdul Rahman , presented the deeds of Carcosa and its 40 acres (160,000 m) of land to

1080-515: The rallying point for the nation's unity, rather than Hari Merdeka. He added "Everyone now knows that 31 August is Malaya's and Sabah's Independence Day … it's not our (Sarawak) independence day . They can celebrate it both in Malaya and in Sabah as they have the same Independence Day date, and we can join them there if they invite us. We must right the wrong". Before 16 September, there was no Malaysia. Let everyone remember that. It's on 16 September that

1120-549: The spirit of independence. The video has since been taken down. The 2020 Malaysia Prihatin theme had been chosen because of the COVID-19 pandemic and in recognition of the caring and concerned of all Malaysian. In 2021, despite the theme and logo remained the same, but the theme song changed from Malaysia Prihatin (sung by Aliff Satar, Syamel, Siti Sarah, and Aina Abdul for original version, and Ernie Zakri for symphony version) to Menang Bersama (sung by Faizal Tahir ), symbolizing

1160-502: The stroke of midnight, the lights were switched back on, and the Union Flag in the square was lowered as the royal anthem God Save the Queen played. The new Flag of Malaya was raised as the national anthem Negaraku was played. This was followed by seven chants of "Merdeka" by the crowd. Tunku Abdul Rahman later gave a speech hailing the ceremony as the "greatest moment in the life of

1200-513: The two territories, unlike the Philippines which claimed the eastern part of Sabah. To assure Indonesia that Malaysia was not a form of neocolonialism , a general survey (instead of a referendum) was organised by the United Nations involving interviews of approximately 4,000 people, which received 2,200 memorandums from groups and private individuals. The Cobbold Commission , led by Lord Cobbold,

1240-475: Was achieved, an agreement was reached on 8 February 1956, for Malaya to gain independence from the British Empire. However, logistical and administrative reasons led to the official proclamation of independence in the next year, on 31 August 1957, at Stadium Merdeka (Independence Stadium), in Kuala Lumpur , which was purposely built for the celebrations of the national independence day. The announcement of

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1280-420: Was also formed to determine whether the people of North Borneo and Sarawak wished to join for the formation of Malaysia. Their eventual findings, which indicated substantial support for the formation of Malaysia among the peoples of Sabah and Sarawak, cleared the way for the final proclamation of Malaysia. The formation of the Federation of Malaysia was announced on 16 September 1963, the anniversary of which

1320-573: Was built in 1896–1897 as the official residence of Sir Frank Swettenham , the first British High Commissioner of the then Resident-General of the Federated Malay States . It was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback under instruction from the State Engineer of Selangor's Public Work Department , Charles Edwin Spooner , and sometimes also credited to Arthur Charles Alfred Norman . SIR, In

1360-530: Was designed by Johan Design Associates (JDA) in 1989. The Logo was derived from metaphors (involving natural elements, environment, humanity, charm and beauty etc.), in this case a swan, are quite common, especially in the hospitality-related outlets, exotic resorts, nature's goodness, romance and gender-enhanced branding, where specific nuances are drawn into play. It exude perceptions of warm hospitality, sense of wellbeing, nature's exuberance, high society living and dining. One of Carcosa Seri Negara's trademarks

1400-645: Was established in 1957. The effort for independence was spearheaded by Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj , the first Prime Minister of Malaysia , who led a delegation of ministers and political leaders of Malaya in negotiations with the British in London for Merdeka , or independence along with the first president of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) Tun Dato Sri Tan Cheng Lock and fifth President of Malaysian Indian Congress Tun V. T. Sambanthan . Once unity between Malay, Indian, and Chinese peoples

1440-480: Was finished and occupied I read a book which interested me. It was called “ The King in Yellow ” and at the beginning of this book there were some verses with a note explaining that they came from Cassilda’s song in “The King in Yellow”, Act 1, Scene 2. Here are two verses: - “Strange is the night where black stars rise, And twin moons circle in the skies, But the stranger still is Lost Carcosa.” “Song of my soul, my voice

1480-635: Was kicked out from the premises by the Federal Land Commissioner without any explanation with a note of seizure sent to them 1 month later. Independence Day (Malaysia) Independence Day ( Malay : Hari Merdeka ), also known as National Day ( Hari Kebangsaan ), is the independence day of the Federation of Malaya from the British Empire . It commemorates the Malayan Declaration of Independence of 31 August 1957, and

1520-440: Was postponed to 16 September 1963, mainly due to Indonesian and the Philippines' opposition to the formation of Malaysia. Nevertheless, North Borneo and Singapore declared sovereignty on 31 August 1963. Indonesian opposition later escalated to a military conflict . Indonesia considered Malaysia as a new form of colonisation on Sarawak and North Borneo, which bordered Indonesian territory on Borneo. However, they did not lay claim upon

1560-547: Was the Castle of the King in Yellow, but the book explains nothing about either the place or its occupant. That apparently can be found in the play, to which there are only occasional allusions. Probably it is a word created by the author’s fancy, though it looks like a combination of the Italian words cara and casa and would mean “desirable dwelling,” as indeed I found it. The only curious fact

1600-609: Was the English afternoon tea, served in the drawing room, or on the wrap-around verandah, overlooking the gardens. It was served daily. In April 2017, the Asian Heritage Museum (AMH) signed a 3-year lease to rent Carcosa Seri Negara until 2020 where all its repairs will be solely taken responsible by the museum body itself. However, within 1 year before the slated handover in March 2019, the AHM

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