Chronology and History of the Malaysia Coat of Arms

The Malaysian national emblem, or Jata Negara, carries the meaning, characteristics, and values of the nation, much like the emblems of other countries around the world that have their own national symbols.

Any country that creates a national emblem is essentially combining its unique characteristics into a single symbol to represent its national identity. The Malaysian coat of arms follows the characteristics of European Heraldry. Elements and sentiments such as the hibiscus (bunga raya) incorporated into the Malaysian coat of arms signify that this flower is the national flower used in official ceremonies and as a symbol of the nation. The same applies to other features, each of which has its own story and meaning. Returning to the chronology and history of the Malaysian coat of arms that we want to highlight here on orangperak.com, it concerns the designs that have been altered according to circumstances and factors related to the nation's identity.

Coat of arms in 1895

The original version of the coat of arms was used since the establishment of the Federated Malay States, which initially involved only 4 states: Pahang, Perak, Selangor, and Negeri Sembilan. This emblem was introduced in 1895 with the motto written in Jawi script, 'Dipelihara Allah' (Under God's Protection).

Coat of arms in 1948

After the Federation of Malaya was formed on January 31, 1948, the coat of arms was changed following the addition of several states to the federal government. The crown symbol was also changed to a crescent and star. The shield was updated to include 5 krises, the emblem for Penang in the form of the Prince of Wales feathers, and the emblem for Melaka in the form of A Famosa. The motto 'Dipelihara Allah' was changed to 'Bersekutu Bertambah Mutu' (Unity is Strength) and written in both Jawi and English.

Coat of arms in 1963

After Singapore, Sabah, and Sarawak joined to form the Federation of Malaysia, the coat of arms was once again updated to reflect the country's current identity. The emblems for Melaka and Penang were changed to the areca nut tree (pokok pinang) and the Malacca tree (pokok melaka). This version was introduced in 1963 and lasted for only two years.

Coat of arms in 1965

After Singapore left the Federation of Malaysia, the coat of arms was changed again by removing the Singapore emblem. The removal of the Singapore emblem was replaced with the hibiscus, the national flower.

Current coat of arms

The coat of arms was updated again with a more realistic design for the two tigers. There were also slight changes to the emblems of Sarawak, Penang, and Sabah. This symbol of the Malaysian coat of arms is used to this day.