Negaraku, the national anthem, had invited several controversies over the years. Those I could remember include the recent rap version of the song by Namewee, Hattan's rendition of Negaraku which prompted a heaty debate in Parliament and also the controversy surrounding the origin of the anthem.
I found this article in The Sunday Times dated 25th August 1957 which gives some light on the origin of the anthem.
Unity and progress are anthem themes
KUALA LUMPUR, Sat -- The Federation Government today published the six-line lyrics of the tune "Negara Ku" (My Country), independent Malaya's national anthem. The versed was composed by a national anthem committee led by the Chief Minister, Tengku Abdul Rahman, out of lines in several lyrics submitted by Government officials and members of the public.
The Director of the Information Services, Inche Ya'acob bin Abdul Latiff told the Sunday Times that none of the entries contained all that should be expressed in a national anthem. So the committee composed a new one based in them.
The lyrics have been submitted to the Rulers for their approval. They go like this:
Negara-ku tanah tumpah-nya darah-ku,
Ra'ayat hidup bersatu dan maju,
Rahmat Bahgia Tuhan Kurniakan,
Raja Kita Selamat Bertakhta,
Rahmat Bahgia Tuhan Kurniakan,
Raja Kita Selamat Bertakhta.
This is an English translation:
My country, my native land,
The people living united and progressive,
May God bestow blessing and happiness,
May our Ruler have a successful reign,
May God bestow blessing and happiness,
May our Ruler have a successful reign.
The national anthem is also the state anthem of Perak and the tune resembles the Malays romantic song "Terang Bulan"
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