NATIONAL MONUMENT
Jalan Parlimen
SPECIAL PROJECTS
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
The Malaysian National Monument is a 15-meter-high bronze statue that stands proudly on a prominent site on a low hill overlooking the Lake Gardens, Perdana Botanical Garden in Kuala Lumpur. The monument is a tribute to those who had perished defending the nation, including 1,000 soldiers throughout the First World War (1914-1918), Second World War (1939-1945), and the Emergency (1948-1960).
The Monument is the work of Felix the Weldon, who also sculpted the Iwo Jima Monument in Washington D.C., which impressed Tunku Abdul Rahman during his visit to the U.S. capital. The National Monument figures depict a group of soldiers raising the Malaysian national flag, Jalur Gemilang (Stripes of Glory). Each of the seven bronze human figures symbolizes leadership, suffering, unity, vigilance, strength, courage, and sacrifice. The monument is not only a remembrance of the fallen heroes but also to bring forth the spirit of patriotism and unity to the future generations of the nation.
BUILDING TIMELINE
1960
Backstory
1960
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Idea for monument was mooted by Tunku.
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He believed that it was important to commemorate those who had perished defending the nation.
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It is to honor of 11,000 soldiers throughout the First World War (1914-1918), Second World War (1939-1945) and the Emergency (1948-1960).
1960
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Dudley Pritchard, an architect in Public Works Department (PWD) design a simple reinforced concrete shell structure with series blade-like shafts of black and white and rough in texture.
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The structure’s roof system has thirteen ridges to indicate the thirteen entities of Malaysia, along with reminiscent of a traditional Malaysian type dwelling and it enclosed a commemorative book which it was anticipated that the names of the fallen would be recorded.
1960
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Stanley Jewkes, also under Public Works Department (PWD) designed an abstract statue with a written documentation.
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His design has a base and two organic, intertwined reinforced concrete tendrils of a vine.
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Black, symbolism to all that shouldn’t happen in place, of evil and of Communism. White, for purity, the moonlight purity of a government of some sensibility and sensitivity, which empowered the black.
October
1960 / 1961
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Tunku Abdul Rahman, visited the United States in 1960.
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He got inspired upon seeing USMC Marine Corps War Memorial Statue in Virginia.
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He also met with Felix De Weldon, Austrian-born American sculptor of the USMC War Memorial.
MERDEKA ERA
Construction
1960 / 1961
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Felix De Weldon was selected to design the monuments, as he was expected to come up with realistic figures like the USMC War Memorial Statue.
1963
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The construction of the monument began at Lake Gardens.
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The material of the statue is bronze.
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It was built with RM2.5 Million with RM1.245 Million of the total is from the donation from the public.
March
1963
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The statue were increased to 4 time of the life size as compared to original 3 times.
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Studies was conducted in formative stages of the sculpture.
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Emphasis of sculpture need to be made to be dramatic piece of sculpture suited with the site and how it will be viewed.
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Studies result that stated the monument should be a dramatic sculpture in scale with Emergency, with actual operations and in scale with the environment, and in scale with the Parliament House.
8th February
1966
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The National Monument completed and officially unveiled to the public with opening ceremony by YMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Zainal Abidin.
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It stands high on 15 metre and made of bronze.
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The National Monument consists of a group of seven bronze soldiers. Each of the bronze figures symbolizes leadership, suffering, unity, vigilance, strength, courage and sacrifice.
Events
26th August
1975
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The communist guerilla launched their attack by murdering Ketua Polis Negara, Tan Sri Abdul Rahman on 7th June 1974.
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Another attack was made on morning 5 a.m. on the 26th August with explosives bombs.
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The explosion can be heard from the then-Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman’s house.
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The Unit Pemusnah Bom also found two explosives that did not set off yet with bloodstains of the escaping communists.
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One of the bronze figure weighting 1 tonne was damaged, meanwhile three head of figures were broken.
2022
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Currently, the Tugu Negara is open and close on fixed time, 7am to 6pm everyday.
11th May
1977
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The monument was being restored to its original state, with local models being used as the new faces for the restoration.
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Fence was added and the complex was named as protected area between sunset and dawn. Soldier also raised national flag at dawn, and lowered at dusk.
POST-MERDEKA
ERA
2022
1970
OTHER RESOURCES
Related Link /
Website
Official Website
TBC