Reflections on Merdeka

Some quotable quotes from our Bapa Kemerdekaan, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj. Lest we forget.

I would like to remind you that the first Malay ruler who made an agreement with the British Government was my own grandfather. He ceded Penang to the British under a lease and they are still paying for the lease today. Now God has decreed that his grandson shall take back not only Penang but the whole of Malaya. - Padang Merdeka, Malacca, 20th Feb 1956

On Malayan youth;

"..To the youth of this country I have a message. You have a wonderful future ahead of you. Unlike us, you have a country free from any domination. You grow up with your heads held high as masters in your own country... The future of this country rests on you: Whether our star rises or falls, it will be due to you solely.
Therefore be ready to serve her, to build her up and to give your life in her defence. You and I must be determine to make Malaya a place which we shall all be proud to call our home.." - Kuala Lumpur, 30th Aug 1957

On Malaya's freedom;

"..Let freedom be secured for all law-abiding people. There shall be freedom of worship, freedom of speech, freedom of want, freedom of association, freedom of assembly and freedom of movement" - Kuala Lumpur, 30th Aug 1957

On Chin Peng's broken promise;

"Now Chin Peng, at our talks in Baling, you specifically stated that if I returned from London with complete control of internal defence and security you would lay down your arms. I have now obtained control of this Ministry and, therefore, I call upon you to honour that pledge you made and surrender all your weapons.." - Radio Malaya, 22nd Feb 1956

Source: Malaysia The Road to Independence - Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj (Pelanduk, 2007)