REMEMBERING AUG 31, 1957
Memories of Independence Day at Esplanade remain etched in friends’ minds
“IT is still fresh in my mind. On Aug 31, 1957, when it was about 5am, I had bathed and was ready to celebrate the independence of our beloved country at the Esplanade,” said Abdul Rashid Abdul Aziz.
Rashid, 77, said the quiet morning air was beautiful unlike other days and as the dawn broke, he and his friends began walking together towards the Esplanade to witness the moment the nation was freed from its colonial masters.
“There was a feeling of pride and anticipation that was difficult to describe, but it is something that I can remember till this day.
“The Esplanade was full of people that morning, I can recall the men wore baju melayu with sampin and a red slash. On that day, people from the island and mainland gathered at the location,” he said at his house in Kampung Pokok Asam, Jelutong, recently.
Rashid, who was 14 years old then, said he could see the parade striding in harmony on that proud day.
His friend, Nordin Abdul Rahman, recollected that the entire village in Jelutong was flooded with lights and decorated with flags of states in all corners.
“I was just 12 years old, but I could remember that happiness was all around. All houses were decked up like during Hari Raya. There was a contest for the top three beautiful houses. We could see houses raising flags of various states and there was indeed a feeling of nationhood in us.
“My father’s house was decorated with flags and lamps and he would proudly play patriotic songs on our record player night after night,” he said, adding that he saw his father training for the parade at the Esplanade.
Nordin said youths were busy putting up arches and flags all over the city. The memories of the historic day would remain etched in his mind forever.
Furniture and antique shopkeeper Syed Muhamad Bukhari Muhamad Nordin, 75, also reminisced about the atmosphere at the Esplanade on Merdeka Day in 1957.
He vividly recalled having met the first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, adding that he was thrilled to have met the Father of Independence himself, who made a positive impact on the country and the people.