Did You Know That Malaysia’s Independence in 1957 was Declared by Tengku Zafrul’s Grandfather?

With the heat of the National Day, many Malaysians took a trip down memory lane to reflect on how far our beloved country has come.

Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul also had something to reflect on his family’s past, which has a lot to do with Malaysia’s independence. On his TikTok post @tzafrul_aziz, he revealed that his late grandfather was the important figure who declared Malaysia’s independence 67 years ago in 1957.

“Every year on Merdeka, I will be reminded of my late grandfather.”

But don’t make the mistake of thinking the late Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia’s very 1st Prime Minister was Tengku Zafrul’s late grandfather.

The MITI Minister shared,

“My late grandfather was Raja Zainal Abidin. He was the secretary of the Perlis state government in 1957. All Sultans were present at the Merdeka Stadium when Tunku Abdul Rahman declared Malaysia’s independence.”

Tengku Zafrul explained that at the state level, it was the secretary of the state government’s task to declare the country’s independence.

Raja Zainal Abidin was also the former Secretary General at the Ministry of Health under the administration of the 2nd Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Abdul Razak.

@tzafrul_aziz

Datuk sayalah yang isytihar Kemerdekaan pada tahun 1957. ? #merdeka #MalaysiaMADANIJiwaMerdeka #TZA

♬ original sound – Tengku Zafrul Aziz – Tengku Zafrul Aziz

What was your fondest memory of Merdeka?

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