The year 2007 is the Golden Jubilee celebration that will mark a significant milestone in the history of our beloved country Malaysia. During that auspicious Merdeka month of August, there will be a continuous fiesta of events ranging from cultural shows to sports carnival.

However, Merdeka means more than festivals and celebrations. Malaysians should know how it all began. In the year 1956, the first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj led a delegation comprising four members of the Alliance coalition and four Rulers’ representatives to London. The trip is to negotiate on Malaya's independence. Three weeks into negotiations, the London Independence Agreement was signed on Feb 8, 1956. The British Government had agreed to give Malaya her independence on the August 31 of the following year.

Later when Tunku Abdul Rahman and his delegation returned from London, the joyful news was announced at Padang Merdeka, Bandar Hilir Melaka, – the place “where it all began”.

History was made as the Union Jack was lowered and the Malayan flag was hoisted on 31st August 1957. Tunku Abdul Rahman led the people of the nation in the historic cries of Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka! which marked the end of the British colonial rule.

Right till this day, after more than 30 years, Malaysians celebrated Merdeka Day in full splendour and colours. Parades comprise Malaysians from all walk of life marched proudly down the road. Happy faces of parents and children can be seen on that day. The day has become the much anticipated and electrifying month-long celebration nationwide.