2008/08/29
Malacca plans a grand Merdeka Day celebration
Mohamad Bakri Darus, BERNAMA
This Sunday's Merdeka Day celebration bears much significance for Melaka after the state earned the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisations (UNESCO) recognition as a world heritage site.
Melakas glorious years began in the era of the Malay Sultanate right until when it became a pawn in the struggle between the colonial powers that sought fame and fortune in the Far East.
Hence, Melakas illustrious history had left numerous heritage and cultural landmarks that proved to be the main draws for tourists.
This land of the legendary Malay warrior Hang Tuah received the Unesco“World Heritage Site recognition last July 7.
This significant acknowledgement is on 214.6 hectares of area, covering two urban conservation sections split by the Melaka River.
The first area includes the St Paul Hill and its surroundings comprising several government buildings, museum, church and what is left of the 16th century Portuguese and Dutch forts as well as the Bukit Cina.
The second area covers the historic stretch of residential and commercial areas comprising some 600 shop houses, mausoleum, houses and other premises.
MONTH-LONG CELEBRATION
With the arrival of this long-awaited recognition, Melaka is holding a month-long grand celebration themed “Warisan Hidup Sepanjang Zaman” (heritage of era-long existence).
The Melaka Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Khalil Yaakob officiated the celebrations launch held last Aug 1.
“This recognition is a major achievement for the country and Melaka in particular,” said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, adding that it was an honour for the state as it has been striving towards conserving its more than 500 years of heritage.
After receiving the World Heritage City honour, Melaka is expected to receive a deluge of local and foreign tourists.
The chief minister said Melaka ensures that its centuries-old heritage is preserved by maintaining the historic monuments and other structures.
“Melaka still retains the culture of various races, said to be the living heritage where the society maintains the traditions like the wear, dishes, customs, handicraft, marriage ceremonies and others,” he said.
MELAKA TREE
The Sumatran prince Parameswara discovered this state in 1396 and named it Melaka after a tree which is known as the pokok Melaka.
Later Melaka came to be known as the Venice of the East after it developed into an important port for merchants and their various trades.
This is when the various foreign cultures and customs arrived at this city port, brought along by merchants from countries like that in West Asia, Europe and Far East.
Hence, uniquely-designed buildings that reflect these various customs and cultures began to sprout in this city port.
INVASION OF THE SEA FARERS
Malaysias struggle for independence that culminated with the declaration of Merdeka on Aug 31, 1957 had begun after Melaka fell to the Portuguese invaders in 1511.
Over a century later in 1641 after a series of attacks, the Dutch invaders overpowered the Portuguese and took over Melaka.
Melaka then became a colony of the Prince of Oranges country (Holland) until 1824 when Holland and Britain signed a treaty that paved the way for the British to take over the Malay states.
The British rule came to a halt after Malaya fell to Japan on Feb 15 in 1942. However the British colonial government returned on September 1945 after the surrender of Japan, and the end of World War Two.
Despite taking control of the port for 130 years, the Portuguese mercenaries were not able to expand their authority beyond that as there were continuous attempts by the Malays to retake Melaka.
During the Dutch rule, forces led by Raja Haji and Sultan Ibrahim tormented the Dutch defenders but they managed to thwart the onslaughts.
Hence Melaka remained under Dutch rule for 180 years.
Meanwhile, the struggle for independence from the British colonialists had produced a long list of warrior heroes like Dol Said in Naning (negeri Sembilan), Datuk Maharajalela in Perak, Datuk Bahaman, Tok Gajah and Mat Kilau (Pahang), Sharif Masahor, Rentap and Asun (Sarawak), Mat Salleh and Antanum in Sabah, Tok Janggut in Kelantan, Abdul Rahman Limbong in Terengganu and many others.
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
Malaysias first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Alhaj picked Melaka as the place where he made the announcement that the country was going to achieve independence, on Feb 20, 1956 at the Bandar Hilir field here.
The announcement came after the Merdeka entourage led by Tunku Abdul Rahman returned from London after signing the agreement for independence with the British government on Feb 11, 1956.
The entourage that also comprised the nations other stalwarts like Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, Tun H.S.Lee, T.H.Tan and Abdul Kadir Shamsudin boarded the Mv Asia at Singapores Tanjung Pagar Port bound for London on Jan 1, 1956.
Negotiations with Britain were held for three weeks, from Jan 18 until Feb 8, 1956.
Tunku Abdul Rahmans entourage left for home on Feb 16 and reached Singapore on the midnight of Feb 19, 1956.
The very next day, they left for Melaka where a grand welcome awaited them at the Batu Berendam Airport before the group proceeded to Padang Pahlawan in Bandar Hilir where some 100,000 came to witness the historic moment.
The decision to announce the date of the countrys independence was made at an Umno emergency meeting held in Kuala Kangsar on Jan 13, 1956.
Happy 51st birthday Malaysia.
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