Heritage

[PHOTOS] Merdeka 65 years on

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

Updated 3 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 / 13h

Online gambling syndicate with daily turnover of about RM27 million busted

Off beat / 2d

Malaysia’s ‘Happy Potato’ enters 4 new markets in 6 months

Malaysia / 2d

Dataran Merdeka filled with rubbish after World Cup final

Opinion / 5d

Modernity beyond the West? What Saudi Arabia is really testing

Malaysia / 1w

Malaysia records 17.5 million international tourist arrivals from January - May

Malaysia / 1w

Malaysia must aim to return to budget surpluses again

Spotlight

Malaysia

Anwar, Zahid project unity at Putrajaya amid PH-BN differences during state polls

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Police looking for two robbery suspects who kicked elderly woman (video)

Malaysia

Malaysia will not bow to US congressional pressure over Israeli nationals’ issue - Loke (UPDATED)

Malaysia

Deaf e-hailing driver sues government, police over alleged assault, seeks disability access reforms

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Johor appoints 10 deputy exco to strengthen administration

Malaysia

Suspended police corporal charged with sexual assault of 11-year-old daughter

Malaysia

Magnitude 5.7 earthquake off northern Sumatra felt across west coast of Peninsular Malaysia

World

Trump approves potential US-Saudi nuclear deal allowing uranium enrichment capability

Malaysia

Network School moves to Kazakhstan