Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
17 November 2015

The 200-meter long field is the site where Malaysia proclaimed its merdeka (freedom or independence) on August 31, 1957. Today, Merdeka Square is the venue for the country’s annual Merdeka Parade or Independence Day celebration, aside from hosting various rock concerts. The square is surrounded by remnants of the British Empire and at its centerpiece is the tallest flagpole in the world at 95 meters, proudly displaying the Malaysian flag.
Frequently serving as the backdrop in the annual Independence Day parade at Merdeka Square is the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Built in 1897, it is one of Kuala Lumpur’s earliest Moorish-style buildings named after the reigning sultan of Selangor at the time. The building originally served as the secretariat for the colonial British administration before housing the superior courts of Malaysia. Currently, it is home to the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture of Malaysia.
One of the oldest Anglican Church in Malaysia built by the British colonial administration in 1894, the Cathedral of St. Mary is also located at Merdeka Square. It is considered a fine example of early English gothic architecture and looks like the typical, picturesque English country church. Back in the old days, the cathedral welcomed Kuala Lumpur’s English inhabitants during Sunday service. At present, it still maintains a small congregation for the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia.