Malaysia marks 68th Hari Merdeka and 62nd Malaysia Day in Pretoria
by Anisha Pemjee - TDS
15 September 2025
As South Africa prepares to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg this November, and Malaysia recently assumed BRICS Partner Country status, the two nations are deepening diplomatic and economic ties grounded in a shared commitment to multilateralism, inclusive development, and global justice.
This growing partnership was highlighted during the celebration of Malaysia’s 68th National Day (Hari Merdeka) and 62nd Malaysia Day at the High Commission of Malaysia in Pretoria.
Acting High Commissioner Mr Yap Wei Sin noted that Malaysia’s accession to BRICS as a Partner Country was a milestone in its foreign policy.
“Malaysia expresses appreciation to South Africa for supporting our bid to join the BRICS family,” said Mr Yap. “Our intention to join is premised upon our commitment to strengthen multilateral cooperation, inclusive sustainable governance and equitable economic ties.”
He also commended South Africa’s leadership of the G20, saying its chairship has “amplified the voice of the Global South, strengthened international cooperation, and contributed to the shared aspirations for a more equitable and resilient global economy.”
President Ramaphosa is expected to visit Malaysia in October this year to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit and Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim will visit South Africa in November to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg.
South African Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli represented the South African Government at the celebration. In her address, she praised the two countries’ “long-standing friendship built on solidarity, mutual respect, and a vision for inclusive development.”
The event commemorated both Malaysia’s independence from British colonial rule on 31 August 1957 and the formation of the Malaysian Federation on 16 September 1963. This year’s national celebrations are themed “Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni”, symbolising Malaysia’s pursuit of balanced development with the well-being of the people at the centre.
“Our model of development combines economic growth with spiritual progress, administrative integrity, and social unity,” said Yap. “The welfare of the people remains at the heart of national policy.”
Malaysia and South Africa enjoy robust trade relations, with bilateral trade reaching US$1.7 billion in 2024. Malaysia exports palm oil, petroleum products, and electronics, and remains committed to revitalising investment into South Africa. Yap confirmed that a high-level Malaysian trade delegation led by MATRADE had concluded a four-day visit to South Africa the day before the event.
Malaysia continues to position itself as a gateway to the ASEAN region, which has a combined population of 700 million and a GDP approaching US$4 trillion. In turn, Malaysian investors are encouraged to consider South Africa as a key entry point to the African market, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).
Diplomatic ties between the two countries date back to 1993 but have deeper historical roots. Yap recalled that Malays first arrived in the Cape in the 17th century, with their descendants, the Cape Malays, becoming an integral part of South Africa’s cultural fabric. He also acknowledged Malaysia’s early and consistent opposition to apartheid.
In multilateral forums, Malaysia and South Africa continue to find common ground on issues of justice, global governance reform, and support for Palestine.
“Malaysia commends South Africa for its noble, rightful, and principled efforts in championing the rights of Palestinians,” said Yap, referring to South Africa’s application to the International Court of Justice under the Genocide Convention.
Malaysia is currently chairing ASEAN under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, and views South Africa’s 2023 recognition as an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner as a gateway to deeper interregional cooperation.
The reception featured traditional Malaysian dishes including nasi lemak, beef rendang, kari ayam, satay, and kuih, and ended with a toast by Mr Yap to the good health of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the enduring friendship between the people of South Africa and Malaysia.