KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 31 -- Every August a familiar rhythm pulses through Malaysians.

You hear it at school assemblies, on the radio, in supermarkets, and again in viral clips on TikTok.

It is the soundtrack of Merdeka - a collection of patriotic songs that do more than just mark a holiday. They tell the story of a nation.

Each song is a time capsule, capturing Malaysia's hopes, struggles, and evolving identity at a specific moment in history. Let us trace the journey of these songs, from solemn pledges to pop anthems.

1957: The Foundation - Negaraku

The story begins not in 1957, but in the 19th century. The melody of Negaraku has a surprisingly global heritage. It was originally the Perak state anthem, Allah Lanjutkan Usia Sultan, whic...