Relive independence – at Carcosa Seri Negara
KUALA LUMPUR: Members of the public are invited to immerse themselves in the mood of Malaya’s independence six decades ago at the iconic Carcosa Seri Negara – just visit the Jalan Merdeka exhibition here.
They will get to see the “Merdeka table” which was near the country’s first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj proclaimed Malaya’s independence when he at Stadium Merdeka.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who visited the month-long exhibition yesterday, was impressed by the collection.
“I wanted to see for myself what is being exhibited here; to see the documents, photographs and stories told,” Dr Wan Junaidi said.
Lead curator and Asian Heritage Museum council chairman Tunku Zain Al’-Abidin Tuanku Muhriz led the brief tour.
The exhibition explores the diverse and challenging routes that led to Malaya’s independence from 1896 to 1957, including the role played by labour movements and leftist forces.
Last week, a series of Time Capsule Malaysia episodes, featuring clips from the National Film archives, took viewers back in time to see what life was like in Malaysia 50 years ago.
Asian Heritage Museum media associate Azmi Anshar said they would extend the exhibition for another month if the response is good.
The museum was granted tenancy of Carcosa Seri Negara for three years in March 2017.
Carcosa Seri Negara was the official residence of the first Resident- General to the Federated Malay States Sir Frank Swettenham.
It was opened in 1913 as the official guesthouse for the Governor of the Straits Settlement and was later referred to as King’s House.
A National Heritage building, the Istana Tetamu room in the Seri Negara mansion was where the Malay Rulers signed the Federation of Malaya Agreement 1957.
A 6km Heritage Fun Run around the estate is being held free of charge this Saturday at 7.30am.
Visit Jalan1957 on Facebook or Jalan Merdeka on Instagram for more information.