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Dataran Merdeka, or Independence Square, is a field right in the middle of the city of Kuala Lumpur. Also known as Merdeka Square, the Padang and the Selangor Club Padang, Dataran Merdeka commemorates the historic Independence celebrations on 31 August 1957, when the British Union Jack was lowered for the last time, and Malaya became an independent nation after 446 years of colonialism, beginning with the fall of Malacca. Indeed the word "merdeka" is Malay of "independence."
Dataran Merdeka was originally called the Parade Ground during British times. Later, it became known simply as the Padang (meaning, The Field). Most of the most important colonial buildings of the British administration congregate around Dataran Merdeka, among them (using their original names) the Government Offices, Selangor Railway Office, Old Post Office and the Royal Selangor Club.
Today Dataran Merdeka is a lush patch of manicured turf right in the middle of Kuala Lumpur. Beneath Dataran Merdeka is a food, leisure and entertainment complex called Plaza Putra, as well as a carpark. As a reminder of independence, a 100m (328 ft) tall flagpole - the tallest in the world - soars above Dataran Merdeka. Old and new fountains grace Dataran Merdeka at different corners.
Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur.
The following are the heritage buildings within walking distance of Dataran Merdeka.
- Sultan Abdul Samad Building (formerly Government Offices)
- National History Museum (formerly Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China)
- Kuala Lumpur City Gallery Court of Appeal (formerly the Government Printing Press)
- Textile Museum (formerly Office of the Federated Malay States Railway)
- Merdeka Square Fountain
- Royal Selangor Club
- Cathedral of St Mary the Virgin
- Old High Court (presently the Sessions and Magistrates Court)
- Old City Hall
- Masjid Jamek
- Masjid India
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