Virtual tours offer access to statesmen memorial in KL

The Star

2 days ago

TUCKED away on a hill in Kuala Lumpur along Jalan Dato Onn is Memorial Negarawan.
The building was previously the office of the prime minister, which is now in Perdana Putra, Putrajaya.
Today, it is a solemn homage to seven visionary statesmen whose dedication shaped modern Malaysia.
They include Tun VT Sambanthan and Tun Tan Cheng Lock, who – together with Tunku Abdul Rahman – are regarded as the founding fathers of Malaysia.
The others are Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman (former deputy prime minister) and Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu (longest-serving Penang chief minister).
The memorial also highlights the contributions of three Malaysian leaders from Sabah and Sarawak.
They are Tun Fuad Stephens (Sabah's first chief minister) Tun Datu Mustapha Datu Harun (Sabah's third chief minister) and Tun Temenggung Jugah anak Barieng (Sarawak's representatives who signed the Malaysia Agreement in London on July 9, 1963).
Collectively they represent the diverse ethnic and regional tapestry of Malaysia.
Their contribution was pivotal to the journey towards independence in 1957 and the formation of Malaysia in 1963.
The memorial, spread across three levels, invites visitors into seven distinct galleries, each dedicated to one statesman.
Here, history comes alive through original documents, personal artefacts, evocative photographs and private memorabilia, offering a nuanced view of their public and personal battles and triumphs.
Walking through the building feels like stepping into a time machine.
Aside from the original prime minister's office, it also houses the old Cabinet meeting room retained as the main exhibition.
Memorial Negarawan is more than a static display, as it plays a crucial role in actively preserving and perpetuating the legacies of these leaders.
The old prime minister's office.
By making their stories and personal collections accessible, it aims to inspire a collective national identity rooted in unity and sacrifice.
While Malaysian museums grapple with future-proofing heritage, Memorial Negarawan stands as a poignant testament to the enduring power of remembrance and its crucial role in educating citizens about the nation's birth.
All collections are meticulously conserved to international archival standards, safeguarding these national treasures for posterity.
Recognising the need to connect with a new generation, the National Archives of Malaysia, which manages the memorial, has embraced the digital age.
In 2021, they launched eNegarawan (enegarawan.arkib.gov.my), an innovative 360° virtual tour portal.
This platform provides immersive access to Memorial Negarawan and nine other memorials under the National Archives, allowing youths to explore Malaysia's rich heritage from anywhere, at any time, using their smart devices.
'Through interactive exhibits, videos and digital artefacts, eNegarawan makes the values of unity, sacrifice and patriotism embodied by these statesmen relevant and engaging for young Malaysians.
'It is a powerful example of how technology can bridge the past and present, ensuring that the foundational stories of Malaysia continue to inspire,' said the National Archives.
Memorial Negarawan, under the stewardship of the National Unity Ministry and the National Archives through the Statesmen Archives Division, implements a wide range of programmes and initiatives designed to engage diverse audiences, including schoolchildren, researchers and international visitors.
Among the key programmes are 'Bicara Negarawan', a series of talks and seminars featuring experts and historians who ­discuss the lives and contributions of the statesmen.
This initiative provides an invaluable platform for knowledge exchange and encourages critical engagement with Malaysia's political history.
The memorial also organises guided tours tailored for schools, researchers and general visitors, offering immersive experiences that bring the stories and artefacts within the galleries to life.
Across from Memorial Negarawan are the Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Hussein Onn memorials, standing out for their dedicated focus on two of Malaysia's influential founding figures.