Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!

Merdeka is a word in the Malay language meaning independence. The term was significant during the anticolonialist and pro-independence movements of the colonies of Malaya, Singapore and Indonesia, in the history of Malaysia, the history of Singapore and in the history of Indonesia. It became a battle-cry for those demanding independence from the colonial administrations of the United Kingdom and Netherlands.

Today in Malaysia, in which Malaya merged with Singapore and Sabah and Sarawak, the term still remains pertinent in the present. It can be seen in the Malaysian national holiday of Hari Merdeka, commemorating Malaya's independence in 1957, and Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square) where the first ceremony raising the flag of Malaya was held following independence. Because Malaya was the primary entity in which the other states of Malaysia merged into, the independence of Malaya remains a significant date in Malaysia's history.

Tunku Abdul Rahman, the inaugural Malaysian Prime Minister, declared Malayan independence with seven shouts of "Merdeka"; the cry continues to be featured prominently in Malaysian Hari Merdeka celebrations.

Rise Our "Jalur Gemilang"

Dataran Merdeka

The top of a petition in 1956 demanding self-rule for Singapore immediately. It collected over 167,000 signatures.

A People's Action Party Merdeka rally at Farrer Park on 17 August 1955.