Acting High Commissioner Mr Yap Wei Sin warmly welcomed Excellencies, Regional Deans, Ambassadors and High Commissioners, distinguished guests, friends of Malaysia, and fellow Malaysians to the celebration of Malaysia’s 68th National Day (Hari Merdeka) on 31 August and the 62nd Malaysia Day on 16 September.
Merdeka in Malay means “independent” or “free”. 31 August marks Malaysia’s independence in 1957, while 16 September commemorates the day the Peninsular States of Malaya joined Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore to form Malaysia in 1963.
This year’s National Day was celebrated under the theme “Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni.” Madani symbolises Malaysia’s drive for a holistic and balanced model of national development – combining material progress with spiritual growth, economic advancement, administrative integrity, and social unity. Rakyat Disantuni underlines the government’s commitment to ensuring that the welfare of the people remains at the heart of national policy.
Malaysia also used the occasion to acknowledge its long-standing ties with South Africa. The two countries share a deep and abiding relationship based on solid foundations, with opportunities to strengthen cooperation further for mutual benefit. These connections pre-date formal diplomatic relations, which were established in 1993. Historical links go back to the 17th century, when many Malays arrived in South Africa; today, their descendants, the Cape Malays, are an important part of the nation’s cultural heritage.
From its independence in 1957, Malaysia aligned itself with the struggle of South Africans against oppression. Today, Malaysia and South Africa are two sovereign and successful states that cherish peace, stability, justice, diversity, and democracy. Both now occupy strategic positions in their respective regions and continue to count on one another as true friends.
Looking ahead, Malaysia is optimistic about upcoming milestones in bilateral ties. President Cyril Ramaphosa will visit Malaysia in October 2025 to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, while Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim will visit South Africa in November for the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg. These visits will be the first by both leaders in their current roles and are expected to significantly deepen relations.
Economic relations remain strong. South Africa is Malaysia’s largest trading partner in Africa, with bilateral trade exceeding 1.7 billion US dollars in 2024. Key Malaysian exports include palm oil, petroleum, and electronic products. Malaysia continues to encourage businesses to trade and invest in South Africa, building on its long tradition of investment on the continent. A recent four-day mission by the Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) signalled further opportunities.
Malaysia is ranked 12th in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Report and is strategically located in Southeast Asia, serving as a gateway to ASEAN’s 700 million people and its combined GDP of nearly four trillion US dollars.
Cooperation between the two nations also extends to tourism, defence, education, Islamic affairs, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Both countries share common ground on multilateral issues, including opposition to unilateralism and the use of force in settling disputes. Together, they advocate for reform of multilateral organisations, climate action, and sustainable development.
South Africa’s designation in 2023 as ASEAN’s first African Sectoral Dialogue Partner marked a new era of cooperation. Malaysia has also expressed appreciation for South Africa’s support in its successful bid to become a BRICS Partner Country in 2024.
As this year’s ASEAN Chair, Malaysia has championed the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability” across ASEAN’s political, economic, and socio-cultural pillars. The Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045, adopted in May 2025, reaffirmed the region’s shared vision of resilience, innovation, and inclusivity.
During his address, Mr Yap Wei Sin praised South Africa’s leadership of the G20, noting its inclusive approach and its amplification of the Global South’s voice in global governance. He then recited a traditional pantun (Malay poem) to symbolise the enduring kinship between the two nations:
PETRONAS Twin Towers rise so high,
Kruger Park beneath the sky.
Putrajaya and Pretoria stand strong,
May our friendship last lifelong.
Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, congratulated Malaysia on its milestone on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa.
“Our formal relations were established on 3 November 1993. Since then, our partnership, built on mutual respect, trust, and a commitment to the wellbeing of our peoples, has flourished through growing trade, investment, and cultural exchanges.”
Guests raised their glasses in a toast with Mr Yap Wei Sin:
“To the continued good health and prosperity of His Excellency President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa and the people of South Africa, and to the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation between Malaysia and South Africa.”
by Marion Kate
