Heritage

[PHOTOS] Merdeka 65 years on

Celebrate Malaysia’s Independence together with The Vibes Culture & Lifestyle with photos through the years

Updated 4 years ago · Published on 31 Aug 2022 10:30AM

[PHOTOS] Merdeka 65 years on
The Merdeka parade has been an activity to gather the nation to commemorate the anniversary of Malaya/Malaysia’s independence from British colonial rule. – AFP pic, August 31, 2022 

by Amalina Kamal

EVERY year, the nation feasts its eyes on the spectacle that is the Merdeka parade, which is part of the festivities to celebrate our National Day.

Decades have passed since we gained independence but activities to bring the crowd – and nationwide attention – to commemorate the day remain constant. 

The only visible change is the generational and administrative presence we see.

As this year’s parade is ongoing at the historic Dataran Merdeka, The Vibes Culture & Lifestyle transports readers back in time to relook the moments of Merdeka preparations and merrymakings over the years… – The Vibes, August 31, 2022

The lighting towers of the Merdeka Stadium were improvised from Hume monsoon drain pipe sections but with prestressed cables strung across the sections around the pipes’ circumferences. – thecitymaker.com.my pic
The lighting towers of the Merdeka Stadium were improvised from Hume monsoon drain pipe sections but with prestressed cables strung across the sections around the pipes’ circumferences. – thecitymaker.com.my pic
(Above and below) Pictures taken on August 31, 1957, and provided by the National Archives of Malaysia shows Malaysians celebrating their independence from Britain at Stadium Merdeka. – AFP pic
(Above and below) Pictures taken on August 31, 1957, and provided by the National Archives of Malaysia shows Malaysians celebrating their independence from Britain at Stadium Merdeka. – AFP pic
Participants dressed in their corporate colours marching along Merdeka Square during National Day celebrations in Kuala Lumpur on August 31, 1999. – AFP pic
Participants dressed in their corporate colours marching along Merdeka Square during National Day celebrations in Kuala Lumpur on August 31, 1999. – AFP pic
The late Malaysian King Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah (right) salutes as former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad (left) applauds during National Day ceremonies at Kuala Lumpur's Merdeka Square August 31, 1999. – AFP pic
The late Malaysian King Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah (right) salutes as former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad (left) applauds during National Day ceremonies at Kuala Lumpur's Merdeka Square August 31, 1999. – AFP pic
Malaysian armoured vehicles take part in a parade at Kuala Lumpur's Merdeka Square August 31, 1999. – AFP pic
Malaysian armoured vehicles take part in a parade at Kuala Lumpur's Merdeka Square August 31, 1999. – AFP pic
A group of young participants in Malaysia's 42nd National Day celebrations shouting "Merdeka" or independence, while in their performance attire August 29, 1999 during a rehearsal session in Kuala Lumpur's Merdeka Square. – AFP pic
A group of young participants in Malaysia's 42nd National Day celebrations shouting "Merdeka" or independence, while in their performance attire August 29, 1999 during a rehearsal session in Kuala Lumpur's Merdeka Square. – AFP pic
The historic Sultan Abdul Samad building is adorned with a sign that reads Merdeka (Independence) as Malaysian and component party flags of the leading National Front party are seen in the foreground, late August 30, 2007, at the historic Merdeka Square in downtown Kuala Lumpur in anticipation of Malaysia's 50th independence anniversary at the stroke of midnight on August 31. – AFP pic
The historic Sultan Abdul Samad building is adorned with a sign that reads Merdeka (Independence) as Malaysian and component party flags of the leading National Front party are seen in the foreground, late August 30, 2007, at the historic Merdeka Square in downtown Kuala Lumpur in anticipation of Malaysia's 50th independence anniversary at the stroke of midnight on August 31. – AFP pic
Royal Malaysian Air Force Sukhoi SU-30MKM air superiority fighters fly in formation over the historic Merdeka Square as part of Malaysia's 50th National Day parade in downtown Kuala Lumpur, August 31, 2007. – AFP pic
Royal Malaysian Air Force Sukhoi SU-30MKM air superiority fighters fly in formation over the historic Merdeka Square as part of Malaysia's 50th National Day parade in downtown Kuala Lumpur, August 31, 2007. – AFP pic
Women in uniform marching steadfast during one of the Merdeka parades in the past. – AFP pic 
Women in uniform marching steadfast during one of the Merdeka parades in the past. – AFP pic 

Related News

Malaysia / 2d

Malaysia’s baby bust: A silent crisis threatening the nation’s future prosperity

Malaysia / 5d

Malaysia tightens border security: Crackdown hits Thai workers hard along northern frontier

Malaysia / 2w

Malaysians expected to live longer, women to outlive men

Sports & Fitness / 3w

Asian Games: Eain Yow defends gold, contributes nation's fifth medal

Events / 4w

Hong Kong shopping festival makes ASEAN debut in Malaysia

Malaysia / 1mth

Anwar: BRICS can help build fairer global trade, more democratic world order

Spotlight

Malaysia

Papagomo acquitted for second time in sedition case over government, Israel claims

Malaysia

ECRL fares start at RM60, with 50% discounts for children, seniors and OKU

Malaysia

DKU seeks court action against Ismail, 16 others over Negeri Sembilan royal dispute

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Kampung Manis: Dreams of 227 families to own replacement homes draw closer

Malaysia

Fadhlina takes legal action over video of 2023 Parliament speech

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Civil servants urged to turn Selangor Sultan’s anti-graft message into action

Malaysia

Animal welfare group urges probe into alleged sexual abuse of cat in viral video

Malaysia

Macron appeals for calm after France riots: 2,400 arrested, nearly 1,000 officers injured

Malaysia

Malaysia renews offer to help Indonesia fight fires