Fifty years ago at Padang Merdeka, the flag of our colonial masters, the Union Jack was lowered and the flag of our country ascended for the first time, proudly proclaiming to all that we are an independent nation.

But today, as elaborate preparations to celebrate the country's 50th birthday at the exact same location, the entire notion of independence was questioned and challenged by students who took part in a protest march in the streets of Kuala Lumpur.