The National Monument (Tugu Negara) is a sculpture that commemorates those who died in Malaysia that struggle for freedom, against the Japanese during World War II and Malayan Emergency.
The construction of the National Monument was mooted by the then Prime Minister of Malaysia, YTM Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Alhaj in 1963 to commemorate the warriors who died defending the sovereignty of the country. An area measuring 48,562 square metres facing the Lake Gardens was set aside for its construction. The monument complex encompasses five main components, the National Monument, fountains, pavilion, a war memorial and the surrounding gardens.
Prior to its construction, another monument erected near the Railway Station after World War I to commemorate the warriors who died during the war. A simple ceremony to honour their passing and sacrifices is held on 11th November every year. The names of warriors who died during World War II were added on to the monument until it was replaced by the present National Monument.
The monument embodying seven bronze statues also represents the triumph of the forces of democracy over the forces of evil. The monument was designed by an American sculptor, Felix De Weldon and was completed in early 1966. It was unveiled on 8th February of the same year and from then on a ceremony to commemorate the passing of the warriors is held here annually.
Before you go, it is better to get know to the meaning of each figure. The sculpture depicts 7 figures, 5 of the figures which is holding the Malaysian flag, armed with a rifle and bayonet (left), armed with a machine gun (right), soldier tending to fifth wounded compatriot represents the victorious allied forces while the other 2 figures that lie on the ground represents that of the defeated communist forces.
The KL Cenotaph is a part of the Building here, it records the names of the Colonel that sacrificed during the war. It is a 4 square building with names of the heroes located on each side.
How to get there
It is located in KL, walking distance from Lake Gardens.
You can also subscribe KL Hop-on Hop-off to visit other places along with the National Monument, for only RM54.59.
https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/AttractionProductDetail-g298570-d16722683-24_Hour_KL_Hop_On_Hop_Off_City_Tour-Kuala_Lumpur_Wilayah_Persekutuan.html?
Opening Hours : 7am-6pm
Isn’t it beautiful, that we live peacefully after the brave ones struggle for this freedom. Hope all Malaysian can unite together and strive for a better future. Unity is Strength.
Thank you for reading. Stay tuned for more.
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