Remembering the brave
One reader reflects back on the country’s tumultuous times during a visit to the Tugu Negara.
RECENTLY, I paid a visit to the Tugu Negara or National Monument memorial park in Kuala Lumpur.
I have read about the monument and seen it on television. Even the old RM1 note had a picture of the Tugu Negara on it. However, I have never visited the iconic sculpture.
On the day of my visit, three busses carrying Chinese tourists were also there, and the visitors were busy walking about and taking pictures. The environment was pleasant as we were surrounded by a beautiful garden.
Many Malaysians would have learned about the Tugu Negara in their History textbooks. I did some research and found additional interesting information about the place.
The Tugu Negara memorial park is located near the Parliament. Besides the monument, there are other components to check out in the grounds like the pavilion, fountains, a garden and a cenotaph.
Tugu Negara was built for RM1.5mil and was officially unveiled on Feb 8, 1966.
Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman, was inspired to build a monument after visiting the Marine Corps War Memorial in Virginia, United States in October 1960. He believed it was essential to commemorate those who had perished defending the nation, particularly during World War II and the Malayan Emergency period, from 1948 until 1960. It was reported that about 11,000 civilians and security forces were killed at the time.
The monument was designed by the late Tan Sri Felix de Weldon, an American sculptor of Austrian origins who had worked on the Marine Corps War Memorial. Construction of the Tugu Negara began in 1963.
The bronze sculpture depicts a group of seven soldiers. In the middle stands a soldier in a victorious pose with his right hand holding a Malaysian flag (the flag is made from cloth). The height of the monument is 15m, making it the biggest freestanding bronze sculpture in the world.
The soldiers symbolise leadership, suffering, unity, vigilance, strength, courage and sacrifice. The statues are erected on stones imported from the small coastal city of Karlshamn in Sweden. The base of the monument is made from granite that bears the Malayan Coat of Arms, of which both sides are engraved with inscriptions that read: “Dedicated to the heroic fighters in the cause of peace and freedom; May the blessing of Allah be upon them”.
On Aug 27, 1975, an explosive device was placed at the Tugu Negara by a terrorist; the device exploded, causing serious damage to the monument. Some of the soldier statues were broken and dislocated from the base.
When that happened, I was in primary school. I remember watching the news and seeing announcements asking the public to donate generously to restore the Tugu Negara to its original state. After almost two years of restoration work, the “new” monument was unveiled on May 11, 1977.
As I was leaving the place that day, I was reminded of a scene from the blockbuster movie, Transformers. In the film, Optimus Prime, while trying to defend Earth from being destroyed by the enemy, Megatron, said: “I rise, you fall.” To me, this phrase fits perfectly with the Tugu Negara. The views expressed are entirely the reader’s own.
Lost & Found highlights the hidden gems of Malaysia – destinations that are lesser known or are being rediscovered. If you have any places to recommend, e-mail star2travel@thestar.com.my with the subject “Lost & Found”. We reserve the right to edit all submissions.