However, is it true that the song was originally the Perak state anthem? VERDICT:TRUEEach state had their own anthem at the time Malaya gained independence but there was no national anthem. In the end, Tunku Abdul Rahman suggested using the Perak state anthem as a basis for the new national anthem. The tune of the Perak state anthem is very similar to Terang Bulan, a popular love song at the time, though it is said that the melody existed even before Terang Bulan. As such, Tunku Abdul Rahman and the selection committee felt the tune had the unique "traditional flavour" they were looking for in a national anthem.

Source: The Star August 31, 2023 11:57 UTC