Starchild: Why Malaysian kids think that the hibiscus is a symbol of pride

Lim Jing Fu, 12

The hibiscus, or bunga raya, is Malaysia’s national flower. This beautiful flower was chosen to represent the country, and it has been a symbol of pride ever since.

Dya Mehr Kaur, 5

You might have seen hibiscus flowers in many gardens, parks and even schools. They are mostly bright red with five large petals, and they grow in warm, sunny places like Malaysia.

But did you know that the hibiscus isn’t just pretty to look at? Each of its five petals has a special meaning. They represent the five principles of Rukun Negara, which are values that Malaysians live by. These principles are belief in God, loyalty to the king and country, supremacy of the constitution, rule of law, and courtesy and morality.

Wong Jie Ern, 8

Another cool fact about the hibiscus is that its red colour symbolises bravery.

As Malaysians, we are proud of our history and our courage in working together to build our nation. The flower’s large size and bright colour remind us to stand tall and be proud of our country.

Malaysia Day was celebrated on Monday. So, the next time you see a hibiscus, remember that it is more than just a flower – it’s a symbol of unity, strength and pride for Malaysians.

Ng Tze Ying, 12

Recently Starchild asked readers to send in letters on the topic, Hibiscus. Here’s what they had to say.

“During my evening playtime at the playground, I see many hibiscus plants. I spot their bright flowers almost every day. The petals remind me of the same number of candles I had on my birthday cake this year,” says Dya Mehr Kaur, five.

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 11, writes, “When I cycle around my neighbourhood, I see many varieties of hibiscus in many vibrant colours. Both my sisters like the bright pink hibiscus whereas I like the red one. It is very beautiful when there are blossoms in a row. The red hibiscus symbolises the courage and vitality of Malaysians.”

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 11

Ken Xin Ru, 12, writes, “Hibiscus symbolises the harmony and unity among Malaysians and the many races and cultures in Malaysia.”

Ken Xi Ru, 12

“Hibiscus flowers can be made into tea. It is also a good source of vitamin C. The flowers last only a day or two. In my history textbook, I learned that on July 28, 1960, the government declared the red hibiscus as the national flower,” says Lim Jing Fu, 12.

“The hibiscus is a special flower; it’s pretty, and it can be used to make tea which has health benefits. A species of the hibiscus is also widely used to make paper. The red hibiscus is our national flower while the yellow hibiscus is the state flower of Hawaii,” says nine-year-old Bethany Wang Qi Syuen.

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 9

“My mother told me why Malaysia chose the hibiscus as the national flower. It is because the hibiscus has five petals, just like the five principles in the Rukun Negara. I usually see red hibiscus in gardens,” says Wong Cheng Yang, 10.

Wong Cheng Yang, 10

Wong Jie Ern, eight, writes: “Hibiscus is our national flower, and we call it bunga raya. I think the hibiscus is such a special flower because it represents Malaysia’s unity, bravery and national pride.”

Michelle Tan Mei Kuan, 9

“The hibiscus with five vibrant red petals was chosen as the national flower by Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia.

It also means ‘celebratory flower’ to reflect the celebration of unity in a multicultural nation,” says Michelle Tan Mei Kuan, nine.

Ng Tze Ying, 12, writes: “The bunga raya is a symbol of Malaysia’s unity. Here’s a Happy Malaysia Day to all Malaysians.”

Christabel Chew Yan Xin, 9

“Every country has their own national flower. Malaysia’s national flower is the hibiscus, also known as bunga raya. It has five petals. The hibiscus’ original colour is red but now there are many different colours such as pink, yellow, orange and white,” says Christabel Chew Yan Xin, nine.

ITEM: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you choose? Would you like to explore the pyramids in Egypt or go to Disneyland, where your favourite characters come to life? Or would you like to travel to outer space and see the stars up close, or maybe land on the moon? Perhaps you’d rather go back in time to see how pre-historic creatures like dinosaurs lived! The choice is yours, and your imagination is the key!

Find the hidden words!

Email your contributions to [e-mail] by Oct 4. Please put “STARCHILD: My Travels” in the subject line of your email.

Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200dpi. Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact, and address. Instead of handwritten letters, please type out your letters.