The government needs to consider to change the national anthem of the federation of Malaysia on the ground that the national anthem, “Negaraku” lacks originality. Lately, there had been lots of talk about the anthem as a song being copied from others.

The national anthem, “Negaraku” was the national anthem of the federation of Malaya. When the federation of Malaysia was formed in 1963, this Negaraku was sung until today.

Since this Negaraku was sung and adopted from the time the federation of Malaya was granted independence in 1957, this makes many Sarawakians found it hard to accept this song as the national anthem. It makes a feeling that Sarawak is a colony of Malaya.

The tune of Negaraku was said originally used as the regional anthem of the state of Perak, “Allah Lanjutkan Usia Sultan” which was adopted from a popular French melody titled "La Rosalie", composed by the lyricist Pierre-Jean de Béranger.

It was also said that the song was later used in an Indonesian Bangsawan (opera), which was performing in Singapore around 1940. In no time at all, the melody became extremely popular and was given the name "Terang Bulan". It also seems that there was a chinese song with the same tune.

The Negaraku without if without lyrics could cause confusion to listeners.

The anthem's arrangement was modified several times and this was in 1992, 2003 and 2006 and if the anthem could be modified there is no reason that the federal government could not change the national anthem as it lacked originality.

I believe Malaysia has many good composers and there is no reason that an original anthem could not be composed.

VOON LEE SHAN
President,
Parti Bumi Kenyalang.