One Song...Negaraku
One Cheer...Merdeka
One Flag...Jalur Gemilang
Happy Birthday Malaysia!
M E D E R K A !
August 31st is a major holiday for all Malaysians as it was on this day in 1957 that Tunku Abdul
Rahman proclaimed the independence of Malaya at a ceremony in the Stadium Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur.
The ceremony was witnessed by the Malay rulers, many local dignitaries and thousands of people
from all walks of life who came by car, bus trishaw, bicycles and on foot to witness this
momentous occasion in Malaysia's history. The British government was represented by the Duke of
Gloucester and the British High Commissioner, Sir Donald MacGillivray. Cries of "Merdeka"
(Independence Day) filled the air as the jubilant crowds celebrated their independence.After the Second World War, the British Government had stated that they would give Malaya independence and started preparing for the eventuality but progress was slow. In 1955 Tunku Abdul Rahman, who was then Chief Minister of Malaysia, flew to England with a group of comprising Sultans and other senior party members to try and persuade the British government to accelerate independence for Malaya.
As a result of that meeting the British agreed to draw up a constitution, which would become the basis of an independent Malaya. Under this constitution Malaya would have a royal Head of State (Yang di-Pertuan Agong) who would be elected by the nine sultans who rule the various states in Malaya. He would hold this office for five year period following which another Sultan would be elected King. The power of the King was limited and he was required to follow the advice of the Federal cabinet.
A Conference of Rulers was also to be set up with specific powers, and was comprised of the nine Sultans and the Governors of Penang and Malacca. The power of the King and the Conference of Rulers has been eroded in the intervening years but the practice of electing a new King every five years continues.
The new constitution stated that the Government would consist of a lower house (Dewan Rakyat) and an upper house (Dewan Negara) and a Prime Minister would head the government.
The new constitution also contained some specific clauses to protect Malays which covered various areas such as Islam, land ownership, education and civil service posts.
The government continued to provide assistance to Malays to ensure that they can share equally in the country's success and wealth.
Happy Merdeka Day!
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Tunku Abdul Rahman stood
up hailing with a cry of freedom
