National Monument of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur Overview

The National Monument of Malaysia, popularly known as Tugu Negara, is dedicated to the 11,000 brave souls who were martyred during the first and the second World War and the subsequent Emergency period of Malaysia's independence.

Located along Jalan Tamingsabi, at the northern end of the Lake Gardens of Jalan Parliment, Tugu Negara has many minute details, each of which is symbolic of the various stages of struggle and achievements against both the British and Japanese forces. The engravings on the different surfaces of National Monument send out a very proud and powerful message to the world about their hard earned freedom. Although the Warriors’ Day ceremonies are not as grandly held at Tugu Negara, the Remembrance Day ceremonies continue to be one of the most important events of the year.

Highlight of Tugu Negara

The National Monument of Malaysia was designed and sculpted more than 50 years ago by the Austrian-born designer and sculptor named Felix de Weldon. The bronze figurines symbolize extreme courage, strength, leadership, suffering and self-sacrifice. This glamorous monument stands about 15.54 meters tall and cost about RM 600,000 to design and sculpt.

The sculpture depicts a group of 7 soldiers of which one holds onto the national flag of Malaysia and another soldier armed with a decorative rifle and bayonet and a third soldier who is armed with a machine gun. Two of the soldiers have been shown to be tending to a wounded ally and this gesture is highly symbolic of their hard earned victory whereas the remaining two are slumped on the feet of the memorial representing the defeated communist forces. Additionally, the strong granite base is carved with a prominent message, “Dedicated to the heroic fighters in the cause of peace and freedom, May the blessing of Allah be upon them”, in English, Latin and the Malay Jawi script.

Tugu Negara, Kuala Lumpur — A detailed view of the National Monument surrounded by beautiful fountains and abstract memorial halls (Source)

The sculpture at Tugu Negara was cast a Roman foundry and Swedish stones on which the soldiers are proudly hoisted upon were imported from Karlshamn which is a Swedish coastal city. There is a reflection pool right beneath this monument. Also, there are mini fountains and decorative pewter-made water lilies around the area where this historic monument has been erected to give the surroundings and absolutely serene appearance.

The crescent-shaped Central Pavilion has two special features- A microfilm vault where the names of all the fallen heroes are engraved, and the metal grille that not only houses the vault, but also displays the different state emblems of Malaysia.

National Monument of Malaysia — One of the mini fountains (Source)

Tips

The temperature can get quite hot at any time after 10:00 AM. So, it is advisable to carry plenty of water and electrolytes if you opt to walk from any of the public transport stations up till the location.
Look out for special events and ceremonies being held on Warriors Day (July 31) and Remembrance Day (November 31).
The best pictures of this monument can be taken around late morning before the afternoon sun appears as the natural lightning during that time is perfect.

How to Reach Tugu Negara

Take the Kelana Jaya LRT line up to Masjid Jamek and then exit the station near the OCBC headquarters. From there, walk towards Lake Gardens through Jalan Tun Perak and then onto Jalan Parlimen until you see the sign indicating the location of Tugu Negara to your right.

Another walking route leads you through Pedang Merbok which is followed by a calm and peaceful 1km stretch to the Botanical Gardens and the National Monument.
If you want to skip the hassle of navigating your way to the National Monument, you can take a cab from your location right upto the destination. This however, is not an economic option and is bound to take a lot more time than the public transport would.