The Historic Morning
The defining moment of the nation's history came on the morning of 31 August 1957 at Stadium Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, before a crowd of thousands and guests from many countries. Earlier that morning, the Duke of Gloucester, representing Queen Elizabeth II, handed the instrument of independence to Tunku Abdul Rahman as Britain formally transferred power.
The Proclamation
Tunku Abdul Rahman then read the Proclamation of Independence declaring the Federation of Malaya a free and independent nation. At its climax he raised his hand and led the crowd in shouting "Merdeka!" seven times—a cry that echoed across the stadium and the country. This became the enduring image of independence.
A New Nation Takes Shape
With the proclamation, Tunku Abdul Rahman became the country's first Prime Minister, and Tuanku Abdul Rahman of Negeri Sembilan was installed as the first Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the constitutional head of state. Malaya now stood as a sovereign nation governed by its own people under the new Federal Constitution.
Key idea
On 31 August 1957 at Stadium Merdeka, Tunku Abdul Rahman read the Proclamation of Independence and shouted "Merdeka!" seven times, becoming the first Prime Minister.
Remember
- Venue: Stadium Merdeka, morning of 31 August 1957.
- Duke of Gloucester handed over independence for Queen Elizabeth II.
- Tunku became first PM; Tuanku Abdul Rahman first Yang di-Pertuan Agong.