NATIONAL MOSQUE
Tasik Perdana
SPECIAL PROJECTS
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
In celebration of the nation’s independence in 1957, the idea of a national mosque was raised to be built in the city center of Kuala Lumpur as a symbolic gesture of the unity of the nation, as well as a focal point to promote the official religion of the nation across the newly unified states of Malaya. The architect Dato’ (Dr) Ar. Baharuddin bin Abu Kassim's design reflected a modern interpretation of mosque architecture which was a total deviation from the usual traditional onion-shaped domes, such as the use of a lightweight concrete structure and its striking umbrella-roof structure and slander minaret.
Being one of the most recognizable historic buildings in the nation, with its fine example of modernism in Malaysian architecture, this has remarkably presented the nation’s moves toward the future of progressive development. Today, the mosque can accommodate 15,000 worshippers at any one time.
TIMELINE
1950
1960
Backstory
30th July
1957
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The idea is initiated by Tun Razak to build a mosque in the meeting of Federal Executive Council
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The mosque is a symbol to unite the people, also to promote the national religion
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He become the chairman of the Mosque Committee
5th March
1958
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It is proposed to name the mosque after Tunku Abdul Rahman Mosque as recognition of his contribution
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Tunku Abdul Rahman declined the honor and named it National Mosque as a mark of the country’s unity and peaceful independence
1960
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At first, the committee plan to hold competition for design, but was discarded due to lack of resources, time and limited choices
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The approval to proceed with the design work is being given to Public Works Department (PWD).
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The original structure was designed by three-person team namely UK architect Howard Ashley, Hisham Albakri and Dato’ Baharuddin Kassim
Map in Kuala Lumpur 1967
Source: 50 Years of National Mosque
1961
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In the beginning, suggested the site at Lake Gardens. However, Tunku insisted on the mosque must be built at an accessible place for the people
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The government acquired the site which was a former site of a church, the Vening Road Brethren Gospel Hall which was built since 1922
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It is selected because of its proximity to the KL Railway Station, which approximately 4 minutes of walking
Architect Baharuddin bin Abu Kassim presenting the mosque design to Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Razak
Source: The Merdeka Interviews: Architects, Engineers and Artists of Malaysia’s Independence
1961
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Architect Baharuddin Abu Kassim presenting scaled building model of the national mosque
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Tunku Abdul Rahman questioned the no-dome design. However, Tun Razak was satisfied and agreed with the design
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The media has mixed responses and asked why the mosque was like “merry-go-round”
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The architect explained the design was influenced by Malay traditions: closed umbrella and opened umbrella as it signifies the presence of Sultan who always comes out with umbrella
MERDEKA ERA
Construction
1961
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Architect Hisham Albakri left PWD and Howard Ashley also left the team upon completion of design
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Architect Baharuddin led the project from the very beginning design phase in 1960 until the completion
Tunku Abdul Rahman performed orientation ceremony to determine Qibla
Source: 50 years of National Mosque
27th September
1962
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Determining Qibla Direction was being held
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The orientation ceremony performed by Tunku Abdul Rahman, assisted with Tuan Haji Md. Yatim Bin Yahya, the Surveyor General
1962
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Ground and substructure works being carried out after land clearing alongside with the construction of Kinabalu flyover bridge, which also the first flyover built in the country
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The flyover also increases the accessibility of the public towards the mosque
Foundation stone laying ceremony was also being made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong III Almarhum Tuanku Syed Putra Ibni Almarhum Syed Hassan Jamalullail.
Source: 50 years of National Mosque
27th February
1963
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Foundation stone laying ceremony was also being made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong III Almarhum Tuanku Syed Putra Ibni Almarhum Syed Hassan Jamalullail
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Yang di-Pertuan Agong also cementing five coins of the various denominations before the plaque is lowered during the ceremony
Visitation during mosque construction
Source: The Merdeka Interviews: Architects, Engineers and Artists of Malaysia’s Independence
1963 - 1965
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Key Malaysian leaders can be seen visiting the construction site of the National Mosque including Tunku Abdul Rahman with architect Baharuddin Kassim and Howard Ashley and Tun Abdul Razak
Newspaper report on the opening of National Mosque
Source: Utusan Malaysia Online
27th August
1965
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On Friday, the National Mosque officially opened its door with first Friday prayer. The completion was being declared by the third Yang di-Pertuan Agong
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Since that significant moment, the National Mosque has ‘hosted’ approximately 2,600 Friday prayers
Events
POST-MERDEKA
ERA
Major renovation of the roof from pink to green
Source: ArchitectureFile, photo archived by Dato' (Dr.) Ar. Hj. Baharuddin Abu Kassim
1987
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Major renovation was being made on Masjid Negara iconic roof
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The colour of the then – pink tiles that decorated the concrete roof is being replaced to a more striking green and blue-hued glass tiles
1990
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The mosque underwent further extension to increase by 7,000 worshippers. Resulting in total of 15,000.
Outlook restoration work by MAPEI
Source: https://www.mapei.com/it/en/realta-mapei/detail/national-mosque-of-malaysia
2017 - 2018
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Outlook restoration was being made by re-waterproofing the roof slabs and retiling works.
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The works are being given to MAPEI
Malaysia. -
The intervention included replacing and repositioning the mosaic tile covering for the cupolas and pyramids.
2010
1980
1990
OTHER RESOURCES
Related Link /
Website
Official Website
TBC