These Wandering Eyes: Merdeka, Merdeka, Merdeka

August 31st

The Federation of Malaya achieved independence from colonial British on August 31st 1957, every year Hari Merdeka (Independence Day) is commemorated with a parade and other performances at Merdeka Square, there are also fireworks displayed at the Twin Towers and at the Golden Triangle. However, I found out today that Merdeka Day celebration is postponed until September 16th because it coincides with Hari Raya. September 16th commemorates the joining of Sabah and Sarawak (the Malaysian Borneo states) into the new federation. As you will see below, the usual massive Malaysian flag at Merdeka square is missing from the massive flagpole.

Across from Merdeka Square is the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, it is one of the example of Moorish architecture influence in older buildings in KL. Also in the area is the Dayabumi Complex which is one of the many buildings in Malaysia that is designed in Islamic style. From above, the footprint of the building is an eight pointed star, the facade of the building also adorn the patterns of the eight pointed star, which is an important motive in Islamic architecture.

Although there was no celebration for Merdeka Day tonight, there were still quite a handful of people at the Square. It's a mix of locals and foreign visitors who were playing with these glow in the dark vertical slingshots.. I went home and set off our own fireworks; as I have always bragged about how amazing Malaysian fireworks are, I'm proud to show the video that I recorded of the fireworks (at the bottom of the post) from tonight, the official ones are even more captivating :)