In January 1956, Tunku Abdul Rahman led a delegation comprising four members of The Alliance coalition and four Rulers’ representatives to London, to negotiate on Malaya's independence. After three weeks of negotiations, the London Independence Agreement was signed on Feb 8, 1956. The British Government had agreed to give Malaya her independence on the August 31 of the following year.

When Tunku Abdul Rahman and his delegation returned from London, the happy news was announced at Padang Merdeka, Bandar Hilir Melaka, – the place “where it all began”. The announcement was received by all with utmost joy.

The people's objective and dreams were reached on the night of August 30, 1957 at the Padang Selangor Club (now Dataran Merdeka) where the Union Jack flag was lowered for the last time and the Malayan flag was proudly raised.

The following day a new independent nation was born with Tunku Abdul Rahman declaring the Malayan Independence at the Merdeka Stadium. The historical event was attended by thousands of citizens, the Malay Rulers, the Duke of Gloucester (representing the Queen) and other representatives from the British government. The day was a most important and glorious day for all Malayans (then) and Malaysians today, for after 446 long years of colonisation, our land finally became a sovereign independent nation.