For heritage consultant Mariana Isa, it’s important that these stories be shared, especially among the younger generation whose knowledge about Malaysia’s journey to independence may be limited to what is taught in history books.
“If we are aware of these sites’ significance, we can appreciate them. You can’t preserve a place if you don’t understand its story,” said the 44-year-old author of three books, “The Towns of Malaya: An Illustrated Urban History of the Peninsula up to 1957”, “Kuala Lumpur Street Names”, and “Between the Bay of Bengal and the Java Sea”.
She is also the co-founder of research service provider Heritage Output Lab.
Seri Negara, formerly known as the “King’s House”, is one of the two colonial mansions that make up Carcosa Seri Negara in Kuala Lumpur. It is believed to be the site where the Constitution of Malaya was drafted and the Merdeka Agreement was signed.
For a country that gained its independence through negotiations and agreements rather than bloodshed, these locations are particularly noteworthy.
As Merdeka approached, excitement swept throughout the whole country. It wasn’t just felt in the halls of power but also on the streets.
Notably, in Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur, one road was named Merdeka Drive. In later years, however, its name was changed to Jalan Suasa 6.
Meanwhile, in Parit, Perak, a clock tower was constructed, and it is said that residents contributed money to build it. The quaint and picturesque structure still stands today.
Foreign dignitaries also joined in the Merdeka celebration, and the Federal Hotel in KL was constructed to accommodate them. In fact, the hotel opened its doors on Aug 28, 1957 – in the nick of time!
It is also believed that Tunku Abdul Rahman held his cabinet meetings at Mandarin Palace, a Chinese restaurant in the hotel, before the Parliament building was ready.
Then there’s Merdeka Stadium, the historic site where Tunku proclaimed the Declaration of Independence on Aug 31, 1957. It is also the site where the formation of the Federation of Malaysia was proclaimed on Sept 16, 1963.
In fact, did you know that the date of Malaysia’s formation had initially been planned for Aug 31, 1963? It delayed due to a fact-finding mission by the United Nations after Indonesia and Philippines opposed the formation.
Still, another special event took place on Aug 31 that year: Muzium Negara was inaugurated by the then Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Syed Harun Putra Syed Hassan Jamalullail.
According to Mariana, when the Federation of Malaysia was formed, His Majesty declared that Merdeka Stadium and the national museum would be among seven buildings that symbolise the foundation of the country.
Others include the national monument and Parliament building.
Asked what she hoped the younger generation would understand about these places, Mariana replied: “They symbolise the freedoms we enjoy today. Freedom of not just being, but freedom of thought; freedom to choose what you want to do in life, and freedom to reach your full potential.
“Not everyone had the same opportunity during that period,” she concluded.
Mariana Isa’s books are available in major bookstores nationwide.