31/08/2025

NATIONAL 3 theSun on Sunday AUG 31, 2025

Elderly photographer reflects on historic hour of independence

many moved to tears. The retired technician said he had walked to the field to be part of the momentous occasion long awaited by the people of Malaya. “At the stroke of midnight on Aug 31, 1957, when the Union Jack began to be lowered and our flag was raised with cries of Merdeka , tears of joy and happiness flowed. It was the sign that we were finally free from colonial rule,” he said. Abdul Khalil also remembered the excitement when Malaysians awaited the return of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al Haj, the nation’s first prime minister, from London

SEREMBAN: The opportunity to witness the historic moment when the Federation of Malaya flag was raised for the first time to the tune of Negaraku on Aug 31, 1957, remains vivid in the memory of freelance photographer Abdul Khalil Abdul Rahim. Abdul Khalil, now 87, was among the thousands who gathered at Padang Kelab Selangor, now known as Dataran Merdeka, to witness the birth of a nation. Then a 19-year-old youth, he recalled watching as the Union Jack was lowered while the crowd erupted in chants of “Merdeka” , with

PETALING JAYA: The first-ever tower run at Merdeka 118 took place yesterday, with participants making a thrilling vertical climb from the ground floor to Level 118 of the skyscraper. Branded “The Sky Race”, the event rewarded runners with breathtaking views of Kuala Lumpur at the top, offering a unique way to celebrate Malaysia’s Independence Day. Open to participants aged 13 and above, the race welcomed competitors of all ability levels to take on the challenge at their own pace. The event flagged off at 6.20am with the elite men’s category, followed by the elite women’s group at about 6.45am. The open category, for participants aged 18 and above, then took to the stairs, followed by the junior veteran aged 40 to 49, veteran aged 50 to 59, senior veteran aged over 60 and junior aged 13 to 17 categories. Merdeka 118, completed in 2023, is a 679m skyscraper in Kuala Lumpur and is the second tallest building in the world after Dubai’s Burj Khalifa at 828m. Without its spire, the tower rises 515m above ground. It holds the title of the tallest building in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Built near the historic Merdeka Stadium in Jalan Hang Jebat, just 100m north of the iconic landmark, the tower is owned by Permodalan Nasional Bhd. It was designed by RSP Architects Sdn Bhd in collaboration with Melbourne based Fender Katsalidis, best known for the Eureka Tower, the tallest building in Melbourne. The observation deck is expected to open in the second or third quarter of this year, alongside the Park Hyatt hotel in the second quarter, while a shopping centre is scheduled to open no earlier than the third quarter of the same year. Architecturally, Merdeka 118 bears similarities to Uptown Dubai Tower, another megatall skyscraper set to become the world’s tallest commercial building. Merdeka 118 hosts first-ever tower run Ű BY MAHADHIR MONIHULDIN newsdesk@thesundaily.com value the peace and prosperity Malaysia enjoys today. “The younger generation must be taught the history of our nation’s struggle and the sacrifices of the freedom fighters. The peace and prosperity we enjoy today did not come easily – it came from the blood, sweat and tears of those who fought for our homeland’s freedom. “Therefore, we must always strengthen the spirit of independence so that future generations continue to cherish and defend the sovereignty of our nation,” he said. – Bernama

been agreed upon. “When we knew the discussions were successful and that a date had been set to celebrate Independence, it was the most joyful and grateful moment,” he said. Even sweeter for him are the newspaper clippings from that historic day, which he has carefully preserved as a reminder of the nation’s struggle for freedom. Having endured the hardships of life under colonial rule, facing obstacles in both work and education, Khalil hopes the younger generation will learn to

after negotiations with the British. “Many youths, along with ordinary people, lined the streets to show support and gratitude for Tunku’s efforts in demanding independence and for finally succeeding,” he said at his home recently. A father of four, Khalil recorded those treasured memories with a Kodak Brownie he had bought for RM65, a camera he still keeps today. Through its lens, he captured a photograph of Tunku Abdul Rahman smiling broadly as he announced that Independence had

95-year-old recounts unity on Merdeka eve in Penang

Former Penang Umno secretary reminisces the cheers, tears and pride as the Malayan flag was first raised

171 years of British rule in Penang. Later that night at the Umno building in Macalister Road, the lights were switched off at 11.59pm. As the clock struck 12.01am on Aug 31, they were switched on again, illuminating the building in a brilliant display. “This was accompanied by the recitation of the Quran, raising of the Malayan flag and a feast for the community at the Umno hall. It was a celebration that brought people together,” recounted Mohd Yussof, who was then Penang Umno secretary and the party’s secretary for the state-level Merdeka celebrations. “When the Malayan flag was raised, the entire crowd cheered. Some cried. There was unity, there was pride. It was not something forced, but something felt deeply in our hearts. People were witnessing first-hand the birth of a nation, after a struggle for independence.” Now president of the Penang Malay Association, Mohd Yussof said unity formed the very foundation of independence. “Without unity, we could never have broken free from colonial rule. We were different in culture, language and religion, but we understood that independence was bigger than all that. We needed one another.”

Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

GEORGE TOWN: The night Malaya gained independence remains etched in the memory of Tan Sri Mohd Mohd Yussof Latiff, a 95-year-old who remains remarkably sharp and active. Nearly seven decades have passed since the Union Jack was lowered and the Malayan flag was hoisted at the Esplanade in George Town, but Mohd Yussof still remembers the tears, the cheers and, above all, the sense of unity. “I will never forget that evening. People of every race and background filled the field. Malays, Chinese, Indians, all standing shoulder to shoulder, hearts beating as one. There were no divisions, only joy and pride that we were free at last,” he told theSun . At 6pm on the eve of Merdeka, Aug 30, 1957, the Union Jack was lowered from the flagstaff of Fort Cornwallis at the Esplanade in a ceremony witnessed by 25,000 people. The flag was then handed over by a naval officer to the last governor of Penang Robert Porter Bingham, who carried it to a ship off the Esplanade before sailing to Singapore. The occasion marked the end of

Mohd Yussof (centre) as Umno state secretary during a Penang Umno meeting. – T.C. KHOR/THESUN

He admitted that the sense of togetherness has weakened over the years, which saddens him. “We see divisions, suspicions and people pulling apart instead of coming together. It saddens me because without unity we cannot move forward as a nation.” Nevertheless, Mohd Yussof remains hopeful that the spirit of Merdeka is still present but needs to be nurtured. “Our young people must realise that independence was not given to us. It was won through struggle, cooperation and unity. That lesson must never be forgotten.” Recalling Tunku Abdul Rahman, the nation’s first prime minister, as a leader who always spoke of unity, Mohd Yussof said Tunku wanted every race and

religion to feel a belonging to Malaysia. “He wanted every race and religion to feel they had a place in Malaysia. That is why he spoke of peace and harmony until his very last days. He believed unity was the soul of the nation.” For Mohd Yussof, Tunku’s message remains relevant. “If we lose unity, we lose everything. Independence will become meaningless if we are divided. The younger generation must understand what Merdeka means and carry the flame forward. It is not just about parades and waving flags. It is about the responsibility to keep the nation united and strong. If we hold on to that, Malaysia will continue being a strong nation.” with her husband, Mohd Kamil Hindin, 65. “Even without a competition, I decorate my house compound every year for Merdeka . Coincidentally, I was also born in the national month, on Aug 29,” she said. Programme director Mohd Riduan Jamaludin said this is the third year the Halaman Rumah Merdeka event has been held.

Decorative lights illuminate village for National Month GOPENG: Replicas of the Petronas Twin Towers, Malaysia’s first national car the Proton Saga, an aircraft, a yacht and giant hibiscus flowers are among the organised by the camping and recreation centre Gopeng around his house compound. “I spent about RM700 to RM800 to buy flags and zinc sheets for the yacht. This is my third time joining the programme. I won first place last year,” he said.

Glamping Park, Bernama reported. Resident Ahmad Ali Mingan, 72, said with the help of his wife and son he spent two weeks preparing various decorations and replicas. The former contractor used discarded materials to build models of an aircraft and a yacht, while hundreds of Jalur Gemilang and state flags were put up

decorations brightening homes in Kampung Chulek, Gopeng, in conjunction with the National Month celebration. About 30 houses are participating in the Halaman Rumah Merdeka programme,

Another participant, Siti Hajar Abd Fatah, 53, said she was equally enthusiastic about hanging the Jalur Gemilang and displaying antiques to enliven her home and the eatery she runs