Negaraku | My Country - Versions of the Malaysian National Anthem in Chronological Order

-PLEASE READ-
The 1957 instrumental version of the anthem was incorrectly labelled as Malaya's anthem when in reality the actual recording has an opening melody that is akin to Perak's State Anthem. I apologize for using the wrong recording.

A compilation of versions of the Malaysian national anthem according to its date of usage. All of these were, and are, used as official versions either used occasionally or enforced via the National Anthem Act 1968.

Lyrics:-

Negaraku,
Tanah tumpahnya darahku,
Rakyat hidup,
Bersatu dan maju

𝄆 Rahmat bahagia
Tuhan kurniakan
Raja kita
Selamat bertakhta 𝄇


00:00-00:25 Intro

00:25-01:38 1957 (Inaccurate recording)
Arranged by: Alfonso Soliano, D.S.P Croff, Captain Lenthall & A.T Reed
Key & Tempo: A flat major, 96
Date Used: 31 August 1957 - 16 September 1963
Description: This was the first arrangement for the national anthem of the newly-independent Malaya. This arrangement was played during the proclamation of independence on 31 August 1957 by the Central Band of the Royal Malay Regiment. The British-styled opening part of the anthem showed how Malaya was once a colony of Britain and indicated the presence of the nine reigning monarchs inside Malaya. In later versions, the opening notes was dropped from use.

01:38-02:43 1963
Arranged by: Alfonso Soliano, D.S.P Croff, Captain Lenthall & A.T Reed
Key & Tempo: A flat major, 96
Date Used: 16 September 1963 - 1983?
Description: This version was performed by the Central Band of the Royal Malay Regiment during the Formation of Malaysia on 16 September 1963.

02:43-04:01 1983-1987
Arranged by: unknown
Key & Tempo: A flat major, 96
Date Used: 1983 - 1987
Description: This version was usually broadcasted during sign offs in Radio Televisyen Malaysia’s TV1 from 1983 until 1987. It contained a solemn choir and only a snare drum.

04:01-05:12 1985
Arranged by: unknown
Key & Tempo: A flat major, 96
Date Used: ???? (Presumably 1970s - 1992)
Description: This version was broadcasted in Radio Televisyen Malaysia’s TV2 & Fleet Holdings' TV3 sign offs in an unknown range of date. It contained only the instrumental version. Most probably performed by Orkes RTM.

05:12-07:12 1992-2003
Arranged by: unknown
Key & Tempo: A flat major, 120
Date Used: 27 August 1993 - 31 August 2003
Description: Composed in 1992, this version follows much similar to that of a marching beat. It was an initiative directed by the Fourth Prime Minister, Dato (then Tun) Dr. Mahathir Mohamad as part of the rebranding of the national symbols. The name was also proposed to be changed to ‘Malaysiaku’ alongside the lyrics in 2003, though was never realised. It was formerly made to uplift the spirit of patriotism among Malaysians, but was later criticised for its ‘circus-like’ melody.

07:12-09:29 2003-2006
Arranged by: unknown
Key & Tempo: F major, 100?
Date Used: 31 August 2003 - 14 July 2006
Description: This version was a modernised pre-1992 version of the anthem that was brought back following the failure of the pervious one. The tempo was modified to be slightly faster than the original.

09:29-12:12 2006-now
Arranged by: Dato’ Johari Salleh
Key & Tempo: A flat major, 96
Date Used: 14 July 2006 - Now
Description: The current official version as stated in the National Anthem Act 1968 (Amendment 2006). Using the same pre-1992 arrangement with the original tempo, it is widely used in all occassions and events ranging from morning assemblies in schools to official events throughout the country. It is considered the best official version of the anthem to exist as of 2022. Performed by the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.

12:12-13:38 2022-now (de facto)
Arranged by: unknown
Key & Tempo: G major, 96
Date Used: 29 January 2022 - Now
Description: This is a de facto version of the anthem published by the Information Department of Malaysia (Jabatan Penerangan Malaysia, JPM) on 29 January 2022. As per JPM’s insight, it is to be used in government officials’ occasions, though is not declared for general use yet.


Notes:
- The anthem started to integrate various versions of maestoso, or ‘majestic manner’ into the opening and closing parts after 1968 so as to replace the generic British snare drum opening.
- Versions up until 1993 had used the 1957 arrangement.