The Road to Independence

Text: Sarimah Othman Photographs: National Archives

What is the strength behind Malaysia's accomplishments? If independence was achieved through bold unity; economic development has been realised with a similar formula - national unity.

The beauty of Malaysia's intricate ethnic tapestry of Malays, Chinese, Indians and other ethnicities is that Malaysians co-exist in peace, harmony and observe deep respect for each other's religion, culture and customs. It is precisely this ability to strike a delicate balance between development, traditions and cultural tolerance that has enabled her citizens to enjoy a decade of peace and stability.

The country has come a long way from its colonial past. With more than half-a-century under her belt since independence, Malaysia has constantly strived to improve the quality of life of her citizens.

Today, Malaysia is a thriving developing country that is able to chart her own course and destiny. In this post independence era, Malaysia has made significant strides and closely resembles a dynamic industrialised nation. In fact, Malaysia is often considered a 'role model' by Southeast Asian neighbours for its economic and political stability, multi-cultural harmony and constant progress.

Formerly known as the Federation of Malaya, the country was colonised for more than four centuries before attaining independence and the end of World War II saw the rise of nationalism amongst its people. Malaysia's road to independence, however, was far from being a smooth ride.

Nevertheless, Malaysia is unique compared to other countries because her fight for independence did not involve bloodshed or vocal strife. Independence was realised by the courageous unity of her multi-ethnics, multi-cultural and multi-religious population.

Malaysia celebrates her 51 anniversary of independence this year. Some of the younger generation may think and look at 31 August as just a regular public holiday, but for the older generation this date means a lot. Until today, they still celebrate the day with tears of memories and happiness.

No matter how much we have moved forward and succeeded, it is very important to look back to our roots and the history of our beloved country, Malaysia. One of the important events was the negotiations of the London Independence Treaty.

The day was 1 January, 1956. Spirits soared high, as the Mission from Malaya was sent off to London by a huge crowd with high expectations. Their goal: To attend the Independence talks and after many weeks and rounds of negotiations, the London Independence Treaty was finally signed on February 8, that year.

It was a do-or-die situation for the nine-member delegation led by Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj (Tunku) when they left for London. The delegation comprised four members of the Alliance Coalition and four Rulers. The Alliance Coalition consisted of the United Malay National Organisation (Umno), Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) and Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC).

The mission arrived in Singapore on February 19, and reached Melaka the following day. Upon arrival, the team was transported by a motorcade to Padang Bandar Hilir (presently Padang Pahlawan). People from all walks of life gathered at the padang (field) to welcome the team who had secured the greatest gift for the nation. It was at this padang that Tunku Abdul Rahman first read out the Proclamation of Independence.

Shouts of "Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!" echoed from all corners of the padang, as Tunku addresses the crowd. Excited with the news of Independence, the crowd reacted with joy at the news of the impending freedom for the country. The British Government had at last agreed to give Malaya her independence. However, another full year would pass before Malaya fully attained independence on August 31, 1957.

More than a year later, thousands thronged the Selangor Club field (present-day Dataran Merdeka) in Kuala Lumpur on the eve of August 31, 1957. They anxiously awaited the stroke of midnight to witness the lowering of the Union Jack for one final time before it was replaced by the new flag of the Federation of Malaya.

The Merdeka Stadium was the official celebration venue for the birth of a brand new nation. The Duke of Gloucester, representing the queen of England, handed over the leadership to the first Prime Minister of the Federation of Malaya, Tunku Abdul Rahman.

Once again, Tunku read the Declaration of Independence and with a voice brimming with patriotism and pride, he exclaimed, "Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!" The crowd responded with joyous shouts of "Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!" The event was the historic conclusion of Malaysia's road to Independence. The accomplishment of the Mission from Malaya is a noble example to present-day Malaysians epitomising virtues of dedication, patriotism, courage, unity and visio