Sarawak

Sarawak
Country	Malaysia
Adopted	1988
Proportions	1:2

The flag of the Malaysian state of Sarawak is a diband of black and red, and on a yellow background. In the center of the flag is a 9-pointed star. It is based on the former flag of the Raj of Sarawak of the White Rajah, and includes the yellow of Southeast Asian royalty — a similar yellow and diagonal black are in the flag of Brunei, although Brunei's yellow is of a brighter shade. The flag was adopted on the 25th anniversary of independence of Sarawak within the Federation of Malaysia. It retains the same colour scheme as the flag of the former kingdom, with two significant changes: the cross was replaced with two diagonal bars and the crown was substituted with a nine-pointed star symbolising the original nine divisions of Sarawak, in order to eliminate any overt references to Christianity and a sovereign monarchy.

Symbolism

Colours

• The colour yellow denotes the importance of upholding the law, unity and stability in diversity.
• The colour red portrays courage.
• The colour black is the symbol of the abundant natural resources that Sarawak possesses.

Symbols

• The nine-pointed star serves to represent the then nine divisions in the state.

History

1848

1870-1946

1946-1963

1963-1988

1988-present