CARCOSA ‘REOPENS’ FOR EXHIBITION
Artefacts, images and narratives on show at historical building until Sept 30
THE iconic Carcosa Seri Negara, which has been closed for eight years, has opened its doors temporarily for a Merdeka exhibition.
The “Jalan Merdeka: Traversing the Route to Merdeka” exhibition, which ends on Sept 30, showcases the journey to Merdeka, as advocated by Malaysians from various backgrounds.
Also featured are artefacts as well as images and narratives of events that took place before the country achieved independence on Aug 31, 1957.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who visited the exhibition, said there were many valuable artefacts, such as the Dabu Dabu Malay drums — the world’s largest historical drums from the 19th century.
He said the public could learn more and appreciate not only how Malaysia gained its independence but also the processes and hardships it took to get there.
“Carcosa (Seri Negara) is where the Federation of Malaysia Agreements were signed in 1948 and 1957, and it has contributed to the start of Malaya’s journey to independence.
“The building itself has its historical value. I had discussed with Asian Heritage Museum (AHM) Sdn Bhd (the tenant of Carcosa Seri Negara until 2020) chief executive officer K.K. Tan to hold this exhibition in 2010, but it could not be done.
“The building has not undergone renovation, but its facade has been improved for the exhibition,” said Wan Junaidi.
He said the challenge now was to restore the building to its former glory, as it had been “abandoned” for eight years.
Any renovation, he said, must be approved by the ministry.
The exhibition is a project by AHM, in partnership with Media Prima Bhd. It is open to the public from 8am to 5pm every day.
Activities that will take place in conjunction with the exhibition include wayang pacak (mobile outdoor cinema), where the public can watch classical movies under the stars as they would be screened at the adjacent field.
For more information on the exhibition, visit its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/jalan1957/ or follow it on Instagram at @JalanMerdeka.