Singapore’s National Day is the celebration of the Independence of Singapore from Malaysia on 9 August 1965. Two years earlier, a merger had brought together Singapore, Sarawak, Sabah and the Federation of Malaya to become Malaysia. Political and civil unrest made the union unstable and Singapore, unwillingly, became independent in 1965. Today, independence is celebrated and National Day includes activities like the large and patriotic feature – the National Day Parade usually held at the Marina Bay. There is also a speech by the Prime Minister and fireworks.