20 Kuala Lumpur : Tugu Negara (National Monument)

The National Monument was built to serve as a memorial for those who died fighting for Malaysia's freedom during WWII and the Malayan Emergency. It was designed by sculptor Felix de Weldon, who was later conferred the title 'Tan Sri'.  Pergh!

I've been here several times, bringing friends and family for a sightsee of the place. It's one of my favourite stops because of the impressive towering sculpture of bronze soldiers that stands there and the history it carries for us. The park, when it's not flooded with tourists, is a great spot to reflect on how far the country has come and it's a reminder to me that in difficult times, heroes will rise. It could be me, it could be you, but it's always best if it's all of us working together for the betterment of our beloved home. 

These are pics I snapped a couple of years ago, a time when several relatives spent a few nights at my small apartment. Fond memories! Blankets, pillows, mattresses - I was prepared. Cousin Jo was getting married. That's why the many visitors.  For one of my aunts, it was all the more exciting because it was her first time in Kuala Lumpur; so I showed her around and of course, a visit to Tugu Negara was included!

Behold, our National Monument:

Tugu Peringatan Negara / National Monument

Tugu Negara - View From The Back

Tugu Negara - View From The Front

Names of fallen soldiers are engraved on a plaque on the cenotaph pictured below. Did you know that the cenotaph was built earlier than the National Monument? It was initially meant to commemorate the Great War (1914-1918) but later included names of those who had fallen during WWII as well.

Kuala Lumpur Cenotaph

Kuala Lumpur Cenotaph - The Surroundings

Tugu Negara - A Lovely Park With Fountains

I couldn't resist snapping a photo of Sabah's Coat Of Arms when I saw it. Sabah Maju Jaya means 'Let Sabah Prosper'. I was born in Labuan as a Sabahan, years before the island was surrendered to the Federal Government and made a Federal Territory. We were 'Sabahan' until 1984. Then came this awkwardness of saying "Saya orang Sabah" that was never there before. Part of our cultural identity had been stripped away. I used to cheer Sabah on in sporting events. Now I wondered if Labuanites were considered part of the team!

Even Wikipedia divided us (sob) :

"East Malaysia (Malaysia Timur), also known as Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan ..."

Suddenly it was strange identifying Mount Kinabalu as one of our best tourist landmarks. It is, of course, if you say it in a nationwide kind of way but what's great in our state/federal territory? The best I could cough up was Labuan's Japanese Surrender Point which was in painful-to-see conditions the last time I visited. I'm cringing, and sticking my tongue out at this. It's best I end this conversation here. I'm getting carried away!

Sabah - Where I Was Born!

A weather-worn sign at the entrance of Tugu Negara.

Tugu Negara

If you're Malaysian and have yet to visit, add Tugu Peringatan Negara to your jalan-jalan  list this Merdeka Day.

Tugu Peringatan Negara / National Monument Malaysia
Location: Jalan Parlimen, Kuala Lumpur, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Open 24 hours. No entrance fees.