Bunga Raya

The national flower of Malaysia is the five-petal Bunga Raya, or commonly known as hibiscus (bunga in Malay means grand and raya means flower). The Bunga Raya can be found in abundance throughout Malaysia, and in 1960 was chosen as the national flower by Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia first Prime Minister.

Symbolically, Bunga Raya, red color represents courage, and the each of the five petals of the Bunga Raya represents the Five Principles of Nationhood of Malaysia.

• To achieving a greater unity for all her peoples
• To maintaining a democratic way of life
• To creating a just society in which the wealth of the nation shall be equitably distributed
• To ensuring a liberal approach to her rich and diverse cultural traditions
• To building a progressive society which shall be orientated to modern science and technology

We, her peoples, pledge our united efforts to attain these ends guided by these principles:

• Kepercayaan kepada Tuhan (Belief in God)
• Kesetiaan kepada Raja dan Negara (Loyalty to King and Country)
• Keluhuran Perlembagaan (Supremacy of the Constitution)
• Kedaulatan Undang-undang (Rule of Law)
• Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan (Mutual Respect and Morality)

The five principles of Nationhood represents an attempt to base national unity on certain concepts which are universal and acceptable to all citizens, regardless of ethnic origin or religious affiliation.

Since early times, Bunga Raya has been known for its medical usages. Till today, people still use the roots of the Bunga Raya as a cure for fever while a poultice prepared from the leaves can be applied to cure headache. The application of the juice obtained from Bunga Raya leaves and roots are believed to be able to relieve skin eruptions and glandular troubles. Other uses include using the petals to darken and enhance women’s eyebrows!