This article relates the evolution of Malaysia as a free nation and the spirit of national unity that inspires and guides the ideals and outlook of this country. With the growth of nationalism, the desire for independence had already developed in Malaya to such a pitch that unless this fervor was released and expressed in terms of democracy, Communism, with its strong anticolonial overtone, would triumph and all hopes for freedom and independence would be lost. Malaysia is a practical working democracy, and as such its very existence and success are a positive challenge to any further progress by Communism in Southeast Asia.