Mural of 80,000 palm prints a Malaysian record
600m fresco highlights leaders’ struggle
KUALA LUMPUR: The longest mural in the country, featuring over 80,000 palm prints of Malaysians of various backgrounds, has made it into the Malaysia Book of Records.
The 600m Patriotic Palm Print Mural illustrates the struggle of Malaysian leaders from 1957 and features images of former prime ministers.
The project was started by Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TARUC) students, lecturers and the local community.
MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the project expresses the patriotic spirit of those who left their palm prints in conjunction with the country’s 60th National Day celebration.
“The mural has been well accepted by locals and it shows their love for the country,” he said at the official launch of the mural along Jalan Genting Klang.
Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department and MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong and Wanita MCA chief Datuk Heng Seai Kie.
Liow hoped Tourism Malaysia and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall would consider making the site a tourism landmark.
“I hope all related agencies will improve roads and facilities, and maintain the wall to ensure it will be an attractive spot for international and local tourists,” he said.
Liow added that all races had come together to support the project.
“This mural signifies our country’s 60th Independence (Day) and it beautifies the streets of Wangsa Maju and Genting Klang," he said.
Meanwhile, MCA secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan said a Malaysia Day gathering of the local Chinese community and their leaders is expected to attract 14,000 tomorrow.
The gathering at the Putra World Trade Centre is both a demonstration of love for Malaysia and confidence in the country, said Ong.
He added that the role of the Chinese community in nation-building would also be highlighted during the event.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak would grace the occasion, Ong said, and add his thumbprint to a collage of some 60,000 thumbprints collected to form the national flag.
There will be dance and singing performances during the event, he said.
Ong, who is International Trade and Industry Minister II, also addressed concerns following an announcement about a multi-billion-ringgit purchase of Boeing aircraft by Malaysia Airlines.
“The purchase is made after careful consideration. It was not a sudden decision,” Ong told reporters during a press conference at Wisma MCA.
He said Malaysia Airlines needed to upgrade its ageing planes to remain competitive.
Ong added that Malaysia was not at the losing end with the purchase as the country still has a trade surplus with the United States.