KUALA LUMPUR: The Melaka state government has suggested Feb 20 as a public holiday to commemorate the independence of the Federation of Malaya that was first declared at Padang Bandar Hilir on Feb 20, 1956.
Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the recommendation aligns with the country's historic moment of achieving independence after 446 years of colonisation as announced by the first prime minister, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj.
"At the state government level, we have already declared Feb 20 as an annual public holiday in Melaka, replacing the Historical City Declaration Day holiday celebrated on April 15 every year.
"Therefore, we hope that the federal government can recognise Feb 20 as a historic date for the nation and consider it a federal public holiday.
"This was the moment of the country's liberation from the colonisers with the announcement made in Melaka at that time," he said at a press conference in Sri Pentas, here, today.
He said the day of the independence declaration would also be celebrated for the first time next Tuesday, on Feb 20, in Melaka.
The celebration would also feature Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in a special reenactment of the first Independence Day Parade in 1957.
He said the reenactment would explore the journey of Tunku upon returning from London, the proclamation of independence recitation, and the Merdeka cry that would be chanted by Anwar.
He added that the reenactment would also involve the Union Jack flag being lowered and replaced with the first hoisting of the Malaysian flag, along with other specific details throughout that historic period.
The Tanjung Bidara assemblyman also invited the public to liven up the celebration by wearing 1950s attire, in white.
"There will also be a musical theatre depicting Tunku's arrival at Melaka International Airport before heading to the late Tun Tan Cheng Lock's residence with the late Tun V. T. Sambanthan, followed by a procession in Bandar Hilir to declare the official date of the country's independence on Aug 31.
On the day, various attractions and activities will be made free for visitors and tourists such as the Prison Museum, Melaka River Cruise, Zoo Melaka, and the Menara Taming Sari.
"By visiting the Melaka Prison Museum, you can experience living inside a prison cell by sleeping and eating like inmates for one day. Everything is available in Melaka."