Get to know Onn Jaafar at Batu Pahat gallery
BATU PAHAT: Once the home to one of the most iconic figures in Malaysian history, Galeri Dato’ Onn here has become a favourite spot for history buffs.
Gallery caretaker Mohd Shaiful Mohd Nor, 34, said the building was built in 1938 and was the official residence of Batu Pahat district officers.
“This building used to be government quarters where the late Datuk Onn Jaafar used to live with his family during his tenure as the Batu Pahat district officer from 1945 until 1946.
“It was later turned into a training ground for Askar Wataniah (Territorial Army) before it became a gallery,” he said here on Tuesday.
Mohd Shaiful said the gallery houses more than 200 items of memorabilia related to Onn, who was the former Mentri Besar of Johor and also the founder of Umno.
“There are about 30 photos of Datuk Onn Jaafar from his early childhood years until his death in 1962.
“We are still trying to source his personal belongings as well as other iconic photos of him to complete the collection here,” he added.
Mohd Shaiful noted that one of the most precious items in the gallery is a replica of Onn’s bicycle during his stint as district officer.
“Datuk Onn was always seen riding to meet people in the district to understand their problems.
“Although it is just a replica, we hope that it will help visitors get to know the true nature of the legend better,” he added.
Another replica is the “Buku Selamat Johor” (Safe Book of Johor) that was handwritten by Onn himself to record the history of Johor.
Mohd Shaiful said the structure of the building has not been changed from its original in the 1930s.
The gallery was opened to the public in September 2012 as an effort to immortalise the memories of Onn, who played a pivotal role in the political and social development of the country.
Located in Jalan Dato’ Mohd Shah, the gallery opens daily from 9.30am until 5pm, except on Fridays and public holidays.