Bank Negara Malaysia is issuing commemorative banknotes in conjunction with the 60th Anniversary of the Signing of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement. These commemorative banknotes were launched by His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong XV Sultan Muhammad V at the Museum and Art Gallery, Sasana Kijang, Bank Negara Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur.
These banknotes commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement signing in the year 1957. The commemorative banknotes honour the Council (later called Conference) of Rulers’ contribution towards the realisation of the Nation’s independence on 31 August 1957. The Agreement dated 5 August 1957 proclaiming the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as the Supreme Head of the Federation was signed by the Malay Council of Rulers from Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Selangor and Terengganu with Sir Donald MacGillivray, the High Commissioner of the Federation of Malaya who represented Queen Elizabeth II. The Agreement became a historical constitutional evidence for the independence of the Federation of Malaya.
The design is based on the theme of “Raja Payung Kedaulatan Negara”. These commemorative banknotes are the first commemorative banknotes printed by Bank Negara Malaysia on the composite substrate, a combination of polymer and paper substrate, which offers higher security features and longer life span. These banknotes are printed larger in size, based on its face value.
The banknote obverse symbolising Malaysia as a constitutional monarchy, placed in the middle is the majestic royal throne encircled by the portraits of 15 Yang di-Pertuan Agong who have reigned from 1957 till the present day. The obverse design is inspired by the crescent and a 14-pointed federal star which are featured on the royal headgear.
The reverse design features the portraits of the nine rulers signing the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement on 5 August 1957. These banknotes are decorated with prominent independence and post-independence figures and features. On the right-hand side of the banknote is the triumphant silhouette of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the architect of Malayan independence and the first Prime Minister of Malaysia. Imprinted on the background are four significant landmarks: the National Palace, Perdana Putra, the Parliament building and the Palace of Justice. These reflect the four pillars of the nation: the institution of the Monarchy, the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary respectively.
The specifications of the commemorative banknotes are as follows:
RM600 60th Anniversary of the Signing of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement commemorative banknote:
Face Value: RM600
Dimension (mm): 370 x 220
Quantity: 6,000
Price: RM1,700 (inclusive of 6% GST)
RM60 60th Anniversary of the Signing of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement commemorative banknote:
Face Value: RM60
Dimension (mm): 162 x 84
Quantity: 60,000
Price: RM120 (inclusive of 6% GST)
Uncut 3-in-1 RM60 60th Anniversary of the Signing of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement commemorative banknote:
Face Value: RM60 x 3
Dimension (mm): 162 x 252
Quantity: 6,000
Price: RM500 (inclusive of 6% GST)
Note: Prices stated above are inclusive of GST.
Display units of the banknotes will be available for public viewing from Thursday, 21 December 2017 at Bank Negara Malaysia’s Museum and Art Gallery and at the Bank’s offices in Penang, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching and Kuala Terengganu.
To provide a fair opportunity for the public to buy these limited edition banknotes, there will be a purchase limit (a piece of RM600, a set of Uncut 3-in-1 RM60 and five pieces of RM60 banknotes per person). To improve buying convenience, the public can place their orders online from 5 January 2018. In the event of oversubscription, balloting will take place. Banknotes with special serial numbers will be sold via public auction on 10 March 2018. Further information on the ordering, auction, payment and collection will be informed to the public in a press release prior to the sale date.
