SEPT 1, 1957, was a Sunday. The day after the birth of the nation, The Sunday Times splashed across the front page: “This is it!”
The story by Allington Kennard, datelined Kuala Lumpur, Saturday, began with a quotation by the federation’s first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman: “And with God’s blessing shall be for ever a sovereign democratic and independent state founded upon the principles of liberty and justice, and ever seeking the welfare and happiness of its people and the maintenance of a just peace among all nations…”
Allington wrote that the strong voice of the prime minister paused “as he came to the end of the declaration of independence”. Tunku then cried “Merdeka” seven times, and “seven times came the deep, excited response”.
Tunku was quoted as reminding the new nation: “Let us unitedly face the challenge of the years. And so, with remembrance for the past and with confidence in the future, under the providence of God we shall succeed.”
Tunku’s words on Merdeka Day of Aug 31 are worth a thousand reminders: “…we are masters of our own destiny, and the welfare of this beloved land is our own responsibility…”
Independence is indeed a milestone. But the nation was cautioned that it was only “the threshold to high endeavour”.
Page four of The Sunday Times carried the headline: “Malaya — jewel in the Commonwealth.” But “Independence is only a Beginning”, the newspaper editorialised. “Life will go on,” it said, but it will be different, “Malaya rules itself”.
Merdeka was not an end. It was the beginning of a lot of hard work. But before the new nation took a breather for the hard work ahead, the London press warned of the “many problems” ahead.
Although the British press acclaimed the birth of Malaya, it made no bones about the difficulties she might face. The Times, commenting on the racial problems facing the new Malayan government, asked how Malays and Chinese would adjust their relations “now British rule had ended”.
The Manchester Guardian also commented on the speed with which Malaya had gained her independence. The newspaper added that “it had come about with maximum good humour between the British Government and the new ruling parties in Malaya”.
The Daily Express briefly suggested that, “The bond between Britain and the Malayans has been a fruitful one. Freedom has always prevailed in British colonies.” It warned that “personal freedom always perishes with the transfer of authority to local politicians”.
Amid the concerns by the British press, there were mixed feelings in Penang. “Night was turned in(to) day as Penang’s half-million people celebrated Merdeka and the birth of their new state.” While crowds roamed the brilliantly lit streets in a festive mood, it was also reported that many families “shed silent tears as God Save the Queen was played over Radio Malaya for the last time”.
The report stated that Penang quietly “adopted to its new rank”. It described Penang as the oldest British settlement in the Far East.
On Aug 31, the resident commissioner handed the new constitutional instruments to “Raja Sir Uda, first Governor of the new State of Penang”. The new governor then received the constitutional instrument and addressed the gathering of about 25,000 at the Esplanade.
Chief minister Wong Pow Nee read the proclamation of independence in Bahasa Melayu, followed by Hashim Awang “Penang Minister for Agriculture”, in English.
But the biggest celebration that night in Penang was at the Umno headquarters in Macalister Road, where 2,000 members and their guests sat down to a sumptuous “nasi merdeka” feast.
Earlier in the evening, the federation and Umno flags were paraded around the island in a procession of cars. At one minute past midnight, the federation flag was hoisted over Umno headquarters.
Then came five “lusty shouts” of “Merdeka”, led by Penang Umno president S.M. Zainul Abidin. While Penang was described as becoming “a state”, Province Wellesley was portrayed as another entity.
Selamat Hari Merdeka to my readers, friends, colleagues and especially to those Old Frees, who turn 57 this year.