Merdeka: Watching history in the making

Tunku Abdul Rahman, with hand raised, declaring independence for Malaya from British rule on Aug 31, 1957. Filepic

The Round Table Conference in London which was held in January 1956 was when the Malaya Alliance delegation led by Tunku Abdul Rahman and the British government agreed that Malaya will gain her independence.

Upon Tunku’s return from London, on Feb 20, 1956, he made a public announcement at Padang Merdeka, Bandar Hilir, Melaka, in front of more than 100,000 people that Malaya would achieve her independence on Aug 31, 1957. That was 66 years ago.