1957
| Currency Rate to USD | 3.06 |
| GDP Per Capita (USD) | 250 |
| Population (millions) | 6.28 |
| Nasi Lemak Price | 15 cents |
| Teh Tarik Price | 5 cents |
| Urban Population Percentage | 23% |
Formation of Malaysia Era
For everyday folks in Malaya/Malaysia, this era was full of hope, political energy, and uncertainty. The lead-up to Merdeka (Independence) meant rising political organisation, negotiations, debates about citizenship, race, language.
Malayan Emergency Era
Life during the Emergency meant fear, disruption, and deep divisions. For many rural folks, night-raids, curfews, food scarcity, and forced relocations (into “New Villages”) came with the insurgency.
Cold War
After WWII, the world splits into blocs—capitalist West led by U.S., communist East led by USSR. People everywhere feel the pressure: fear of nuclear annihilation, propaganda, ideological influence in media and education, proxy wars in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Independence of the Federation of Malaya
The independence of the Federation of Malaya from British colonial rule on 31 August 1957 marked the end of over a century of British control and the birth of a sovereign, multi-ethnic nation that laid the groundwork for modern Malaysia.
Passing of the Federation of Malaya Constitution 1957
The passing of the Federation of Malaya Constitution in 1957 marked a crucial step toward independence from British colonial rule, establishing a federal constitutional monarchy that balanced ethnic interests and laid the foundation for modern Malaysia.
Federation of Malaya Constitution Takes Effect
The enactment of the Federation of Malaya's constitution on 27 August 1957 marked the transition from British colonial rule to self-governance, establishing a federal constitutional monarchy just days before formal independence on 31 August 1957.
Opening of Stadium Merdeka
The opening of Stadium Merdeka on 30 August 1957 served as a symbol of national unity and self-determination, occurring just one day before the Federation of Malaya's declaration of independence from British rule on 31 August 1957.
First Merdeka Tournament 1957
The First Merdeka Tournament, held in Kuala Lumpur shortly after Malaya's independence, was a landmark football event organized by Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman to promote national unity and regional solidarity among Asian nations.
Installation of the First Yang di-Pertuan Agong, 1957
The installation of Tuanku Abdul Rahman as the first Yang di-Pertuan Agong on 2 September 1957 marked the formal establishment of Malaysia's elective constitutional monarchy, symbolizing national unity and sovereignty just days after independence from British rule.
Admission of the Federation of Malaya to the United Nations
On 17 September 1957, the Federation of Malaya was admitted as the 82nd member of the United Nations, just weeks after achieving independence from British colonial rule, marking its entry into the international community as a sovereign state committed to peace and cooperation.
Signing of the Anglo-Malayan Defence Agreement 1957
The Anglo-Malayan Defence Agreement (AMDA) was signed on 12 October 1957 between the United Kingdom and the Federation of Malaya, establishing a defence pact to provide security against external aggression and internal threats like the communist insurgency, shortly after Malaya's independence on 31 August 1957.
Registration of the Alliance Party, 1957
The registration of the Alliance Party on 30 October 1957 formalized a multi-ethnic political coalition comprising UMNO, MCA, and MIC, just two months after Malaya's independence, establishing a framework for communal cooperation and stable post-colonial governance.
First Malay Cultural Congress, 1957
The First Malay Cultural Congress, held on 30 December 1957 in Melaka, was an early post-independence initiative to celebrate and preserve Malay cultural identity in the newly sovereign Federation of Malaya, amid efforts to foster national unity in a multi-ethnic society.
