Every year as the month of August rolls in, Malaysians feel a special kind of energy. Streets, schools, and cars are decorated with waving Jalur Gemilang, patriotic songs echo on the radio, and memories of our nation’s journey towards independence come alive once again. But beyond the familiar images of Tunku Abdul Rahman raising his hand at Stadium Merdeka, there are countless stories, details, and little-known facts that make our Merdeka history even more meaningful.
So, in the spirit of this year’s Merdeka celebration, let’s walk down history lane together and uncover 20 fascinating facts about Malaysia’s independence that might surprise you.
The story of Merdeka didn’t just begin on the morning of 31 August—it began at the stroke of midnight. On 30 August 1957, thousands gathered at what is now Dataran Merdeka. When the Union Jack was lowered and the Jalur Gemilang was raised for the very first time, the crowd erupted into cheers, filling the air with a new sense of pride. Imagine being there in the darkness, witnessing the birth of a new nation beneath the stars—goosebumps!
Stadium Merdeka wasn’t just a venue; it was built specifically to host the declaration of independence. Construction was completed just days before the big day, and on 31 August 1957, more than 20,000 Malaysians squeezed in to witness the historic proclamation. Today, the stadium is a heritage site—standing as a reminder that our freedom had a stage built just for it.
At exactly 9:30am, Tunku Abdul Rahman read aloud the Proclamation of Independence. His voice carried the dreams of millions of Malaysians who had long yearned for freedom from colonial rule. That moment officially marked the start of a new chapter in our history.
kemerdekaan 1957 RAKAMAN SEMASA TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN MELAUNGKAN ‘MERDEKA’ DI STADIUM MERDEKA PADA 31 OGOS 1957. NOTA: IMBASAN SUMBER PUSAT MAKLUMAT UTUSAN MELAYU
Our national anthem, Negaraku, was performed for the first time at Stadium Merdeka. Led by a multiracial choir under Tony Fonseka, the anthem was not just a song—it was a symbol of unity. For many, hearing it then was like hearing the heartbeat of a new nation.
Before the speeches and cheers, the ceremony included an azan call and a thanksgiving prayer. It reflected the solemn gratitude of a nation that recognised independence not just as a political achievement, but also as a blessing.
Later that same day, Tuanku Abdul Rahman of Negeri Sembilan was installed as Malaysia’s first Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King). This was a significant moment, signalling not only independence but also the establishment of a unique monarchy system that balanced tradition with democracy.
That green field in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building—once called the Selangor Club Padang—is now immortalised as Dataran Merdeka, the very spot where the Union Jack came down. If you visit today, it’s hard not to picture the crowd, the flag, and the tears of joy that first night of freedom.
A Modern MRT Tribute
The Merdeka MRT Station, completed in recent years, was designed with interiors inspired by the 14-point star of the Jalur Gemilang. Even as we move forward into modernity, our everyday spaces still remind us of where we began.
Independence was officially recognised on 31 August 1957, a date etched into our Constitution. It wasn’t just chosen randomly—it carried historical and symbolic weight for the people of Malaya.
(Source: Facebook @Mak Khuin Weng – マク)
The Role of Syeikh Abdullah Fahim
An often-overlooked figure, Syeikh Abdullah Fahim, a respected religious scholar, advised that 31 August was an auspicious date for independence. His counsel gave spiritual depth to the nation’s timeline of freedom.
Many confuse the two. Merdeka Day marks the independence of Malaya in 1957, while Malaysia Day on 16 September commemorates the formation of Malaysia in 1963. Together, they tell a bigger story of how we grew from Malaya to Malaysia.
In 1970, following the turbulence of 1969, the Rukun Negara was proclaimed on Merdeka Day. Its five principles became the compass for unity, reminding us that independence must also mean harmony.
(Source: https://ecentral.my/ikrar-rukun-negara/)
A Clock Tower in Perak
Not many know this: In Parit, Perak, stands the Merdeka Memorial Clock Tower, unveiled in 1963 to honour independence. While not as famous as Dataran Merdeka, it’s a local landmark of freedom.
Independence wasn’t just a celebration—it was a legal process. In the Constitution, Merdeka Day is defined as the day the “Federation” itself became free. This careful wording reflects the seriousness with which our founding leaders established our sovereignty.
The ceremony was attended by leaders from around the world, including Jawaharlal Nehru of India. Their presence showed that the world acknowledged Malaya as a new nation, ready to stand on its own.
The Power of “Merdeka!”
When Tunku shouted “Merdeka!” seven times, the crowd shouted back with equal force. That chant is now etched into our identity—still reenacted at every Merdeka celebration today.
25 September 1957 : The Federation Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, leading an anti-Red procession through the town of Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan. The banner carried by two members of the Kuala Pilah UMNO Youth asks Chin Peng to fulfil his promise of laying down his arms since Malaya has already achieved independence.
It wasn’t just the site of independence; Stadium Merdeka later hosted concerts, football matches, and cultural events. Each time, it reminded Malaysians that freedom made all these gatherings possible.
From Midnight to Morning
Think about it – The transition from the midnight flag-raising at Dataran Merdeka to the morning proclamation at Stadium Merdeka captured the literal dawn of a nation. Night gave way to day, and colonial rule gave way to self-rule.
A Salute to the Nation
KUALA LUMPUR, 20 Julai — Anggota Tentera Darat dari Pasukan 41 Bateri Rejimen Artileri Diraja (Istiadat) melakukan tembakan meriam kehormat sebanyak 21 das sempena Istiadat Pertabalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong ke-17 di Istana Negara hari ini. Istiadat Pertabalan Sultan Ibrahim sebagai Yang di-Pertuan Agong ke-17 berlangsung di Balairung Seri Istana Negara pagi ini. Sultan Ibrahim telah melafaz dan menandatangani Surat Sumpah Jawatan sebagai Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong ke-17 pada 31 Jan. –fotoBERNAMA (2024) HAK CIPTA TERPELIHARA
Part of the celebrations included a 21-gun salute, a tradition marking respect and sovereignty. For Malaysians, hearing it that day wasn’t just pomp—it was the sound of recognition that our country had arrived.
Merdeka Lives On
Independence isn’t just a moment in 1957—it’s alive in our daily lives. It’s in the way we respect the Jalur Gemilang, in the principles of the Rukun Negara, and even in modern design like the Merdeka 118 tower. Merdeka is both history and a living story.
This Year’s Theme: “Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni”
For 2025, the theme of Merdeka and Malaysia Day is “Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni”—a call for us to build a civilised, compassionate Malaysia where the people always come first.
How can we live this out? By showing kindness to our neighbours, by celebrating diversity instead of division, and by uplifting those in need. Something as simple as helping a hawker, mentoring a student, or even flying the Jalur Gemilang proudly at your home contributes to this bigger picture.
Celebrate Merdeka with MyRehat
At MyRehat, we believe Merdeka is about freedom—freedom to travel, to explore, and to connect with one another. To mark this special season, we’re offering an exclusive Merdeka promo when you book through www.myrehat.com or the MyRehat mobile app.
So whether you’re planning a family getaway, a staycation, or a solo trip down history lane, let’s celebrate Merdeka together—with comfort, joy, and pride in being Malaysian!
If you’re heading out to celebrate, here’s some great news:
Selected LRT, MRT, Monorail, BRT, and certain Rapid KL on-demand and bus services will be running round the clock, keeping the spirit alive all night long and making it easier for everyone to join the festivities.