Merdeka Square

Acknowledged as the Independence Square or Dataran Mederka, the Mederka Square is located at the heart of the city of Kuala Lumpur. The Merdeka Square is situated in

close proximity to the Gombak River, the Masjid Jamek, Central Market and China Town. It is considered the nucleus of the whole beginning of Kuala Lumpur. There are many important buildings found at this particular square; some of them are Sultan Abdul Samad Building, the Royal Selangor Club, and the National History museum.

Most of the building designs have been inspired by Moorish architecture. There is a flagpole that is about 100 meter long; it signifies the place where Malayan Flag was first hoisted in August 31, 1957 symbolizing their independence from the dominion of British rule. The Merdeka Square actually exists as a part of a grass field namely, the Padang, around which the buildings are found.

Records show that Merdeka Square or the Independence Square was known as the Selangor Club Padang; originally the field was used for the purpose of playing Cricket. At present it is known as Royal Selangor Club. It was officially inaugurated in the year 1990, concurrently on the eve of the Visit Malaysia Year 1990. The Mederka Square was the starting line of The Amazing Race Asia 1. Earlier, the Selangor Club had about 140 members. There was a club Maynards that became a place of social gathering and attained popularity in no time.

The Mederka Square is treated as a popular venue for several events like the open air concerts, carnivals, starting/finishing marathon points. It became a battle ground for Cricket games though not on a regular basis. However the Square is best known for being the place that witnessed history in the making on the midnight of August 31, 1957. It was on this day, that the natives tasted

Independence from the clutches of the British rule. A parade held every year for commemorating the day in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

There is a subversive food, leisure and entertainment complex, namely Plaza Putra below the Merdeka Square that was frequented by many. Sadly, due to the floods and heavy downpour, it was closed to the public. However the underground parking bay is still accessible. The National History Museum or the Muzium Serajah Nasional is located on the left side of the flagpole. The Museum doors were opened to the public in 1966. Here the visitors can discover the historical heritage of Malaysia in the form of perpetual exhibition of relics and materials. The impressive collections of Malaysian artifacts tell the saga of Malaysian history for sure. Prehistoric and megalithic exhibits are also found here.

The most beautiful building of Mederka Square is the Abdul Samad Building which was constructed in 1897 and planned by a British architect. This building has a 41m clock tower popularly called 'Big Ben'. This building was recently emptied as the "courts" moved to Putrajaya, the new Malaysian administrative center.

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