Heroes of Independence: Celebrating 10 Pioneers Who Made Merdeka Possible

This year we celebrate Malaysia’s 67th year of independence – a milestone that reflects decades of the nation’s growth.  Many from the Merdeka generation, those who lived through the pivotal moments and witnessed the historic celebrations at Stadium Merdeka, have passed on, or the memories of the past have slowly begun to fade. 

While the contributions of renowned figures like Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun V.T. Sambanthan are well-celebrated, it’s important to remember that the journey to independence was also the collective effort of many unsung heroes. Alongside the four iconic leaders who embarked on the Merdeka delegation to London, 6 other individuals played instrumental roles in shaping Malaysia’s path to freedom, their contributions deserve to be remembered and honoured just as much.

#1: Nationalist – Dato’ Seri Dr Burhanuddin Helmi 

After World War II, Dato’ Seri Dr. Burhanuddin Al-Helmy, a homoeopathic doctor led the Parti Kebangsaan Melayu Malaya (PKMM) in 1946, which demanded full independence for Malaya and opposed British colonialism^[1].

He directed PKMM towards the concept of Melayu Raya, a “political union” of Malaya and Indonesia. PKMM, arguably the first independence movement in Malaya, included founding members Ahmad Boestamam and Musa Ahmad. The party’s youth wing, Angkatan Pemuda Insaf (API), was led by Ahmad Boestamam, and its women’s wing, Angkatan Wanita Sedar (AWAS), was helmed by Aishah Ghani and later Shamsiah Fakeh.

The party published the newspaper “Suara Rakyat” and established branches nationwide, headquartered on Batu Road (now Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman), Kuala Lumpur. Party members greeted each other with “Merdeka!” to symbolise their struggle^[2].

Burhanuddin’s focus on fighting imperialism and the oppression of the Islamic community led to multiple arrests and imprisonment. PKMM, as a party, was short-lived. It was disbanded by the British in 1948 after declaring a state of emergency^[2].

#2: Founder of UMNO and Malayan Nationalist – Dato’ Onn Jaafar

Dato’ Onn Jaafar, known as the “Pengasas Kemerdekaan” (The Initiator of Independence), played a pivotal role in Malayan politics post-World War II. Educated in England and initially a government officer in Johor, he transitioned to journalism before actively engaging in politics^[3].

In 1946, he strongly opposed the British proposal to form the Malayan Union, which threatened Malay special status and the sultans by decentralising political power and granting equal citizenship to all residents. 

His leadership in rallying over 40 Malay organisations led to the formation of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), representing Malay interests. Later, the proposal was withdrawn, and Dato’ Onn was appointed as the 7th Chief Minister (Menteri Besar) of Johor. Onn’s legacy includes fostering national consciousness among Malays and his significant contributions to the independence movement^[3].

Disillusioned by UMNO’s growing race-based politics after he suggested opening the membership to all races, he left the party and established the Independence of Malaya Party (IMP) in 1951. 

#3: Women’s Rights Fighter – Tan Sri Hajah Zainon Munshi Sulaiman (Ibu Zain) 

Zainon Munshi Sulaiman, known as Ibu Zain, was a pioneering figure in Malay nationalism and women’s rights. After the Japanese occupation of Malaya, she engaged in social work, aiding women affected by the occupation and learning Japanese swiftly. During the communist confrontation, she volunteered as a soldier, travelling through forests and villages to counter communist influence, demonstrating her dedication and bravery^[5].

Between 1929 and 1941, Ibu Zain was the chief editor of Bulan Melayu, the first Malay women’s magazine in British Malaya^[5]. At the time when women’s participation in public life was restricted, Ibu Zain, in 1929,  founded the first registered Malay women’s association, Guru-guru Wanita Melayu Johor, followed by Persatuan Wanita Melayu Terhormat Johor in 1940^[6]. 

Ibu Zain was also a key figure in UMNO’s formation, serving as the Chief of Kaum Ibu UMNO (now Wanita UMNO) and was appointed to the Johor State Legislative Assembly in 1948^[5]. Unlike many politicians, she focused primarily on education, representing Pontian Selatan in 1959. As a dedicated nationalist and Wanita UMNO chief, Ibu Zain played a significant role in rallying female support for UMNO and advocating for Malay education and national concerns, uniting women in the independence movement.

#4: Founding Father of Malaysia and 1st Prime Minister – Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj

Recognised as the Founding Father of Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman joined politics after World War II, opposing the Malayan Union and advocating for independence. In 1951, he became the president of the UMNO, replacing its founder, Datuk Onn Jaafar. Tunku focused on inter-ethnic cooperation, uniting Malays, Chinese, and Indians through alliances with the MCA (Malayan Chinese Association) unity in 1951 and MIC (Malayan Indian Congress) in 1955^[7]. 

These alliances facilitated agreements on citizenship, Malay special rights, Malay as the national language, and Islam as the official religion. Despite initial setbacks, the Alliance won the 1955 general elections, securing 51 out of 52 seats. As Chief Minister, Tunku declared amnesty to end the communist insurgency, though the Baling Talks in 1955 failed. Eventually, the Emergency ended five years later^[5].

In 1956, Tunku led a delegation to London, successfully negotiating Malaya’s independence on August 31, 1957^[7]. He became the first Prime Minister, focusing on national unity and economic progress, and guided the nation through challenging times.

#5: First Malaysian Ambassador to the US and 2nd Deputy Prime Minister – Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman

Since the British proposal of a Malayan Union in 1946, Tun Dr Ismail’s family was deeply involved in the anti-Malayan Union campaign led by UMNO^[8]. After the campaign successfully replaced the Malayan Union with the Federation of Malaya, Tun Dr Ismail was appointed to the Johor State Legislative Assembly by Dato’ Onn Jaafar, the Chief Minister of Johor.

When offered a seat on the Federal Legislative Council with the condition of his participation in UMNO, he refused, insisting he would only join the political party if it committed to fighting for Malayan independence^[9].

A medical practitioner, he joined the Malay Graduates’ Association, a political discussion group for intellectuals in the independence movement after returning from Melbourne, Australia^[10]. 

In 1951, Tun Dr. Ismail entered Malaysian politics, elected as vice-president of UMNO with Tunku Abdul Rahman as its president^[10]. He played a crucial role in gaining greater autonomy for local government in 1954 by proposing a compromise that the British High Commissioner should consult with the election-winning party before making appointments. This proposal was accepted after public opinion turned against the High Commissioner.

He was part of the Malayan government delegation sent to London to negotiate independence terms. A politician with enviable integrity, he was also instrumental in creating Rukun Negara, the five principles of Malaysian nationhood.

#6: First Woman Minister – Tun Dr Fatimah Hashim

Tun Dr. Fatimah Hashim was a prominent leader in Malaysia’s women’s rights movement. She began her political career in 1947 as Treasurer of Kaum Ibu within UMNO at the Kampung Nong Chik branch and later renamed the women’s wing to Wanita UMNO to attract younger educated women^[11].

She transformed UMNO’s women’s wing into Wanita UMNO, focusing on empowering women politically as its leader from 1956 to 1972. She is also the founding member of the National Council of Women’s Organisations advocating for women’s issues for 24 years^[12].

As Malaysia’s first female Cabinet Minister, holding the Welfare portfolio from 1969 to 1973, she was instrumental in advocating for women’s rights and education^[12].  

#7: Fifth President of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) – Tun V.T. Sambanthan

Tun V.T. Sambanthan worked alongside Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Tan Cheng Lock. As MIC leader from 1955 to 1973, he integrated MIC into a multiracial alliance, reinforcing the Alliance Party’s representation of Malaya’s main races. In early 1956, Sambanthan led the MIC delegation in negotiations among the Alliance parties to prepare a memorandum for Reid’s Commission. As a capable negotiator, he worked diligently to ensure the rights of Indians were safeguarded while handling sensitive issues with caution. He signed the Merdeka Agreement on August 31, 1957^[13]. 

Tun V.T. Sambanthan was a pioneer cabinet minister in Malaysia, serving as Labour Minister, Health Minister, Minister of Works, Posts, and Telecommunications (1959–71), and Minister of National Unity (1972–74)^[14]. Dedicated to uplifting the underserved, he once sold part of his rubber plantation to support the Indian community and MIC. He also founded the National Land Finance Co-operative Society (NLFCS) to improve the socio-economic conditions of Indians in Malaya^[13].

#8: Social Activist – Toh Puan Umasundari Sambanthan

Toh Puan Uma Sambanthan was an activist and social worker in Malaysia’s development. As one of the founders of the NCWO, she helped pioneer initiatives like multi-racial preschools to foster national harmony. She raised the status of women, particularly in rural areas, by promoting Malayan citizenship among Indian women in the 1950s alongside her husband, Tun V.T.Sambanthan^[12].

Her contributions to education included organising the first government girls’ school in Jalan Ampang and the first government primary school in Selayang Baru. She mobilised women for nation-building, improved nutrition and healthcare for babies in rural areas, and engaged in income-generating activities. She also held significant roles, such as chairman and director of the National Land Finance Co-operative Society (NLFC), established by her husband, Tun V.T. Sambanthan to prevent estate fragmentation^[15].

#9: Founding Member and 1st President Of The Malayan Chinese Association (MCA) – Tun Tan Cheng Lock

Tun Tan Cheng Lock began his public career during World War I and later became a vocal advocate for a united Malayan society with equal rights for all ethnic groups. In 1949, he founded the MCA along with Colonel H.S. Lee and Tun Leong Yew Koh^[16]. Initially a welfare association, MCA evolved into a significant political party advocating for Malayan independence and Chinese interests. He worked closely with other leaders to promote communal harmony and national unity, navigating challenges such as the Japanese occupation and the Communist Emergency. 

As its president, Tan Cheng Lock played a crucial role in the lead-up to Merdeka in 1957 and was part of the Merdeka delegation to London. 

#10: First Female Lawyer in Malaya – Lim Beng Hong 

Lim Beng Hong, also known as BH Oon, played a pivotal role in increasing female representation in Malaya’s judiciary and legislation. Her application to the Bar of the Straits Settlements and the Federated Malay States led to rule amendments that allowed her to become the Bar’s first Asian female lawyer^[17]. 

After returning to Penang from England in 1927, she joined Lim & Lim Advocates and Solicitors. During the Japanese occupation, she smuggled letters to prisoners of war held in Changi prison. BH Oon was one of two women serving on the Federal Legislative Council in 1948, a key body in Malaysia’s path to independence.

She co-founded the Malayan Chinese Association (MCA) and served as a local councillor in Butterworth from 1954 to 1957. For her public service, she was awarded the Order of the British Empire^[17].

Explore our sources:

1. Sinar Harian. (2019). Menyingkap semangat Dr Burhanuddin. Link 
2. Yahaya, H. (2010). “Lembu punya susu, sapi dapat nama”. Aliran. Link 
3. Fernando,M. J. (2007). The rebel in Onn Jaafar. The Star. Link 
4. Britannica. (n.d.) Dato’ Onn bin Jaafar. Link 
5. Organisation of Malaysian Islamic Wisdom. (2023). IBU ZAIN. Link 
6. Khor, N. & M.Adnan, I.M. (2007). Mothers of substance. The Star. Link 
7. Biography.com (2020). Tunku Abdul Rahman. Link 
8. Saravanamuttu,J. (2007). Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman: “The Third Man” of Malaysian history. Aliran. Link 
9. New Straits Times. (2007). Malayan Union brings Ismail to the crossroads. New Straits Times.
10. The Sunday Star. (2007). The reluctant politician. Link 
11. Pusat Kepimpinan Wanita Tun Fatimah Hashim. (n.d.). Maklumat Tun Fatimah Hashim. Link 
12. Merdeka Award. (n.d.) Tun Fatimah Hashim.  Link
13. Shanmugavelu, G.& Parasuraman, B. (n.d.). A Short Biography of Tun V.T.Sambanthan : An Indian Leader From Malaya ( Malaysia). Link 
14.  Surin, J.A. (2007). Sambanthan – champion of the poor. The Sun. Link 
15. The Leaders-Online. (2020). Toh Puan Uma Sambanthan: The end of an era. Link 
16. Perdana University (n.d.) Tun Tan Cheng Lock. Link 
17. M.A. (2021). B.H. Oon, the lawyer who opened the doors for women to practice law in Malaysia. Asklegal.my. Link