1957 in Malaya explained

This article lists important figures and events in Malayan public affairs during the year 1957, together with births and deaths of significant Malayans. Malaya became independent from British colonial rule on 31 August 1957.

Political figures (from 31 August 1957)

Federal level

Yang di-Pertuan Agong

Tuanku Abdul Rahman of Negeri Sembilan

Raja Permaisuri Agong

Tuanku Kurshiah of Negeri Sembilan

Prime Minister

Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj

Deputy Prime Minister

Datuk Abdul Razak Hussein

State level

Sultan of Johor: Sultan Ibrahim
Sultan of Kedah: Sultan Badlishah
Sultan of Kelantan: Sultan Ibrahim
Raja of Perlis: Tuanku Syed Putra
Sultan of Perak: Sultan Yussuff Izzuddin Shah
Sultan of Pahang: Sultan Abu Bakar Ri'ayatuddin Al-Muadzam Shah
Sultan of Selangor: Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah (Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong)
Sultan of Terengganu: Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah
Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan: Tunku Munawir (Regent)
Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang: Raja Tun Uda
Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Malacca: Tun Leong Yew Koh

(Source: Malaysian Department of Informations)

Events

15 August - The Federal Legislative Council passed the first Federation of Malayan constitution from the Reid Commission.
27 August - The Federation of Malayan constitution took effect for the first time.
30 August - Stadium Merdeka was officially opened.
31 August - Malaya achieved its independence from Britain, and joined the Commonwealth of Nations.
- 12:00 am - In Selangor Club Padang, The Union Jack flag was lowered and replaced by the independent Federation of Malayan flag.
- 7:30 am - The proclamation of independence was held in Stadium Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur
31 August–7 September - The Merdeka Tournament or Pestabola Merdeka was held for the first time after Malayan independence.
1 September - Tuanku Abdul Rahman of Negeri Sembilan was installed as the first Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
2 September - Malaya officially admitted as the 88th United Nations member.
October - SMK Assunta was established.
3 October - The Agreement Between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Federation of Malaya on External Defense and Mutual Assistance was finalized.
30 October - The Alliance (the predecessor of the Barisan Nasional political coalition in Malaysia) was officially registered as a political organization.
1 December - The Malayan Public Records Office (now known as the Malaysian National Archives or Arkib Negara) was formed.
30 December - The first Malay Cultural Congress was held at Melaka.

Births

17 March – Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin – Politician and Menteri Besar Perak (2008–2009)
25 April – Jalil Hamid – Actor and comedian
25 April – Abu Bakar Omar – Actor
4 July - M. Nasir - Singer, composer and actor
9 July – Salleh Said Keruak – Politician
14 August – Khalid bin Abdul Samad – Politician
14 September – Azahari Husin – Militant involved in 2002 Bali bombings (died 2005)
20 October – Mohd Shafie Apdal – Politician
22 November – Wan Jamak Wan Hassan – Footballer
Unknown date – Hassan Sakimon – Deputy director of Malaysian Prison Department
Unknown date – Maimon Mutalib – Actor (died 2013)
Unknown date – Shaharuddin Thamby – Actor
Unknown date – Zaiton Sameon – Singer / poker player
Unknown date – Siti Rohani Wahid – Actor (died 2010)

Deaths

14 May – Deng Fuk Lung – Commander of the 2nd MPAJA Regiment (born 1919)