Milestone·Modern
Malaya Gains Independence, Merdeka Day
- Date
- 31 August 1957 CE1377 AH69 years ago
- Place
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaya
- People
- Tunku Abdul Rahman
The Federation of Malaya became independent on 31 August 1957. Tunku Abdul Rahman led the celebrations at Merdeka Stadium in Kuala Lumpur. The constitution names Islam as the religion of the federation, while other religions may be practiced in peace. The date is still observed as National Day.
Why it matters
The independence settlement made Islam the official religion of the federation, a provision still in the constitution.