Why Does the Malaysian Flag Resemble the American Flag- A Curious Connection Unveiled

Why does the Malaysia flag look like us? This question often puzzles many people, especially those unfamiliar with the flag’s design and history. The striking resemblance between the flags of Malaysia and the United States has sparked numerous debates and discussions over the years. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind this uncanny similarity and explore the fascinating story behind the flags.

The flag of Malaysia, adopted on September 16, 1963, features a crescent moon and a 14-point star, which symbolize Islam as the country’s official religion and the unity of the 13 states that make up Malaysia. The background is a field of red, which represents the courage and bravery of the people. The yellow stripe at the top of the flag represents the royal houses of the 9 Malay states, while the blue stripe at the bottom represents the 4 non-Malay states.

On the other hand, the flag of the United States, adopted on June 14, 1777, consists of 13 horizontal stripes of red and white, representing the 13 original colonies, and a blue field with 50 white stars, each representing a state in the Union.

So, why do these two flags look so similar? The answer lies in their design history. The designer of the Malaysian flag, Mohamad Hamzah, was inspired by the flag of the United States when he was studying in the United States. He was impressed by the simplicity and elegance of the U.S. flag and decided to incorporate some of its elements into the design of the Malaysian flag.

One of the most noticeable similarities is the use of red and white colors. Both flags feature these colors prominently, and the arrangement of the stripes is also quite similar. Additionally, the crescent moon and the star in the Malaysian flag are reminiscent of the moon and stars found in the U.S. flag.

However, it is important to note that while there are similarities, the flags are not identical. The Malaysian flag has a unique design that reflects the country’s cultural and historical background. The crescent moon and the star are significant symbols in Islam, and the red and white colors are symbolic of the courage and unity of the Malaysian people.

In conclusion, the reason why the Malaysia flag looks like the U.S. flag is primarily due to the designer’s inspiration from the U.S. flag. While the two flags share some similarities, they also have distinct features that reflect the unique identities of their respective countries. The story behind the flags is a testament to the power of inspiration and the importance of cultural exchange in the design of national symbols.