Sang Saka Bangsa

Matters regarding the pattern and shape of the UMNO flag were discussed in the 2nd UMNO General Conference on 19 June 1946. This conference was held at the Ipoh Town Hall, Perak Darul Ridzuan.[1]

Various patterns and shapes of flags were proposed by the delegates. Each representative is also required to explain the meaning of the selection of patterns and symbols used on the designed flag. Among several proposals, there are some flag proposals that really captured the heart of the delegates. The four four flags are as follows.[1]

• 3 color pattern, green, black and white stripes. Proposed by Dato' Onn, representing the Malay Movement of the Johor Peninsula.
• 2 color pattern, red and white flag like the flag of the Republic of Indonesia. Recommended by the Parti Kebangsaan Melayu Malaya
• 3-color pattern, red and white flag with a green dagger symbol in the middle. Recommended by Sabak Bernam District Malay Association
• 4 color pattern, red and white flag, in the middle there is a yellow circle and a green dagger, as the current UMNO flag looks like. Recommended by Ikatan Setia Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur.

After a great debate, there are generally two flags that are chosen by the delegates, the first is the one proposed by Ikatan Setia Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, and the second is the flag proposed by PKMM. The Council finally made a vote between these two options. The result, the flag proposed by Ikatan Setia Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur narrowly won with only a few votes.[1]

The flag was then used as the official flag of UMNO until now.

In relation to the red and white flag (the flag of the Republic of Indonesia) as the official flag of UMNO, the proposal of the Malaysian Malay National Party (PKMM) narrowly lost, so the PKMM led by Ishak Haji Muhammad, and among others Ahmad Boestamam withdrew and left the UMNO General Meeting. Some representatives from the mother's race were also seen leaving the hall.[1]

PKMM is a strong organization, and is considered the core of the 36 organizations that make up UMNO. His decision to withdraw from UMNO is feared to weaken UMNO. However, the delegates agreed to just accept the vote that had been decided, and as a result the proposed design of Kampung Baru KL Melayu Loyal Alliance was used as the official flag of UMNO until today.

The UMNO flag was chosen during the second UMNO General Meeting in Ipoh, Perak. The meaning is as follows:-[2]

• Red = Brave
• White = Purity
• Yellow = Monarchy
• Green = Islam
• Keris = Malay

In general, it can be said that UMNO stands on a brave banner because it is right, defending the religion, the king, the nation, and the country.[2]