KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 30 -- When Tunku Abdul Rahman raised his arm and cried "Merdeka" at Stadium Merdeka on August 31, 1957, the moment would become one of the defining images of a new nation.

But beyond the cheering crowds and the historic proclamation was another, far less remembered story - of the people working behind the scenes to make sure the voice of independence travelled far beyond the stadium.

Nearly seven decades later, that story has been brought back to life in Gema Malaysia, Telekom Malaysia's National Day and Malaysia Day short film, inspired by an article published in Malay Mail on the very day Malaya gained independence.

In a statement, TM said the film pays tribute to workers of the then Telecommunications Department, ...