In a speech delivered by deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof, Anwar said Tunku’s proclamation of independence on Aug 31, 1957 must be honoured to ensure the nation remains independent and sovereign.

“It is now our collective responsibility to uphold this independence and give meaning to a free and sovereign nation,” he said at a tribute event for the late prime minister.

Anwar said the government had approved the construction of institutions to honour the nation’s leading political figures and promote historical literacy.

He said that to date, 11 memorials, galleries, libraries and birthplaces have been developed and opened to the public. One of them is the Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Memorial, which is located along Jalan Dato Onn.

Tunku Abdul Rahman, who served as Malaysia’s prime minister from 1957 to 1970, helped negotiate the country’s independence from British rule.

Affectionately called “Tunku” and known as the “Father of Independence”, he was instrumental in promoting unity among the diverse communities in Malaysia.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Memorial’s establishment, which was inaugurated on Nov 10, 1994.