Malaysia’s National Day Stamps 2002-2018: A Visual Analysis and Interpretation

Abstract

Postage stamps serve as essential representations of the state, acting as miniature ambassadors that embody a nation’s identity, values, and socio-political evolution. In Malaysia, National Day-themed stamps commemorate Malaysia’s Independence Day, showcasing rich visual narratives of its cultural, social, and political identity since 1957. This research conducts a visual analysis of Malaysia’s National Day stamps issued from 2002 to 2018. This research aims to explore how these stamps contribute to the formation of national identity. Employing a semiotic framework, the research examines how these stamps act as visual symbols, influencing and reflecting collective memories and national narratives. The analysis focuses on 31 selected stamps from seven distinct National Day-themed stamps, obtained from philatelic collections. This research addresses a gap in the visual examination of these stamps’ contribution to nation-building discourse by identifying symbols, design elements, and thematic patterns within the chosen artefacts. The findings reveal that 15 categories of visual elements were identified and analysed. The aim is to elucidate their intended messages, underlying meanings, and their contribution to the visual constructions of nationhood. This research underscores the significance of these stamps as potent cultural artefacts that actively participate in the ongoing formation of Malaysia’s national identity, communicate national values and aspirations to domestic and international audiences, and thus contribute to visual communication and cultural studies.

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