Latest news with #MuziumNegara
The Star
08-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Muzium Negara exhibition celebrates Chinese opera heritage in Malaysia
With bold makeup, towering headpieces, grand robes and stories passed down through generations, traditional Chinese opera is a spectacle like no other – and now you can experience it up close. At the Chinese Opera: An Introduction And Remembrance exhibition, now on at Galeri 1, Muzium Negara (National Museum) in Kuala Lumpur until Sept 8, culture lovers and curious visitors alike can take a journey through the rich history and cultural evolution of this traditional performing art in Malaysia. This showcase is a collaboration between Muzium Negara and KL's Pat Woh Association Malaysia, a cultural arts group dedicated to keeping the spirit of Cantonese opera alive. On display are over 90 artefacts, from rare costumes and antique headgear to handwritten scripts, musical instruments, and performance props. 'The artefacts on display are primarily owned by the Pat Woh Association, its individual members, as well as a sister association, reflecting a shared effort within the community to preserve and showcase these cultural treasures,' says Lim Choo Leong, deputy honorary secretary of Pat Woh Association Malaysia. Visitors view Cantonese opera costumes (from left): Dai Hon Zong, Jyun Ling, and Mui Heung Saam. Photo: The Star/Art Chen 'Almost all the items in the exhibition are rarely seen by the general public today. These include traditional costumes, headdresses, stage props, and musical instruments that are seldom brought out from private collections or storerooms, making the exhibition a unique opportunity to experience them up close,' he says. Exhibition coordinator Tang Yen Yen says the show came together through archival material and oral histories from those who lived the tradition – helping preserve and share the story of Chinese opera in Malaysia for future generations. 'The roots of Malaysian Chinese opera go back to the 19th century, when immigrants from southern China settled here, bringing their customs, beliefs, and operatic traditions,' says Tang. 'Early performance styles were shaped by Cantonese and Teochew opera,' she adds. An installation offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of where Chinese opera performers get into costume and apply their make-up. Photo: The Star/Art Chen Chinese opera in Malaysia isn't confined to a single dialect or tradition – it mirrors the diversity of the Chinese diaspora and the country's multicultural environment. 'In Malaysia, Chinese opera is performed in various dialects such as Cantonese, Teochew, Hokkien, Hakka and Hainan, reflecting the diverse linguistic landscape of the Chinese community here. The performances are tied to local festivals, religious events and community celebrations, serving not only as a form of entertainment but also as an expression of cultural identity and heritage,' says Tang. Opera treasures One of the exhibition highlights, Tang notes, is the display of rare, historical costumes and accessories used in actual performances. 'Among them is a bodyguard costume from the story of Justice Bao, believed to be over 70 years old and hand-stitched with intricate detail. This character is known for his loyalty and strength, and the costume reflects that through its bold, structured design. 'There's also Justice Bao's 'Black Mang' robe, over 50 years old, traditionally worn by upright judges or officials in Chinese opera. Its refined embroidery and heavy fabric represent authority and moral integrity, and showcase a level of craftsmanship rarely seen today,' she says. Apart from costumes and instruments, the exhibition also features handwritten Chinese opera scripts and literary works. Photo: The Star/Art Chen Other exhibits include handwritten scripts, some dating back decades, showing the evolution of Chinese writing systems and storytelling methods. Visitors can also admire antique headgear, each piece crafted to reflect the rank, role or personality of operatic characters – from warriors and nobles to deities and scholars. The exhibition underlines how Chinese opera was once a communal experience. Performances were held in temples, school grounds and public squares, often sponsored by local associations and patrons. Yet, like many traditional art forms, Chinese opera in Malaysia faces an uncertain future today. 'Chinese opera today faces the challenge of sustaining itself for future generations. While it is still performed during specific cultural festivities and celebrations, this alone is not enough to ensure its survival,' says Tang. She adds that the exhibition serves as both a tribute to the past and a call to action for the future. Welcoming the masses With its line-up of public programmes, Muzium Negara hopes exhibitions like this will spark curiosity and inspire a new appreciation for traditional performing arts, especially among younger audiences. 'This isn't the first time the museum has hosted a Chinese opera exhibition,' says Noor Wahida, Muzium Negara assistant curator of exhibitions and development division. Visitors can discover Chinese opera in Malaysia through video exhibits and interactive displays. Photo: The Star/Art Chen 'But this time, it's more interactive and in-depth – with live performances, mask workshops, makeup demos by actors, and oral sharing by veteran artists alongside the costumes and history,' she adds. The exhibition also features programmes for schools and universities, including guided tours, Q&A sessions, and backstage make-up demos to reveal the intricacies of stage preparation. Special public events are lined up too. On Aug 9, the Pat Woh Association Malaysia will host a Chinese opera makeup demo, music performance, and excerpts from three classic Cantonese plays. On Aug 16, there's a free "Children's Cantonese Opera Workshop" to introduce young participants to the basics of the art form. 'This initiative creates space for the younger generation to experience Chinese opera in a more contemporary way and connect with it. Through live performances and interactive activities, they're not just spectators – they also gain a deeper understanding of the cultural values behind the art,' says Noor. The exhibition also showcases a range of traditional Chinese opera musical instruments. Photo: The Star/Art Chen The Chinese Opera exhibition fits perfectly with the spirit of Merdeka month and the upcoming Malaysia Day celebrations. But once it ends, it's hard to say when the public will get another chance to see these cultural treasures up close. Tang agrees that while it's important to have such exhibitions, it's equally crucial to keep the art form alive through regular performances and community engagement. 'To truly preserve and revitalise the art form, greater support is needed, including dedicated venues where Chinese opera and other traditional cultural arts can be actively and regularly performed. "Beyond financial aid and infrastructure, fostering public awareness is vital. The community must recognise that the arts are not just entertainment, but an integral part of our cultural identity and heritage,' she concludes. Chinese Opera: An Introduction And A Remembrance exhibition is showing at Muzium Negara, Kuala Lumpur until Sept 8. Free admission.
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New Straits Times
23-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] Turun Anwar rally: Police boost security at 15 Kuala Lumpur stations
KUALA LUMPUR: Police will deploy additional personnel at 15 transit stations in anticipation of the Turun Anwar rally scheduled for Saturday. Acting Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Mohamed Usuf Jan Mohamad said the move aims to ensure public safety, particularly for commuters using public transport that day. "Transport operators have also agreed to station additional personnel for the same purpose," he said in a statement today. The 15 stations are: LRT Stations: KL Sentral, Pasar Seni, Masjid Jamek, Dang Wangi, Plaza Rakyat, Bandaraya, Sultan Ismail MRT Stations: Muzium Negara, Merdeka, Bukit Bintang Monorail Stations: Imbi, Raja Chulan, Bukit Nanas, Medan Tuanku, Chow Kit He confirmed that the police received early notification from the organiser, Dewan Pemuda Pas Malaysia, regarding the planned rally. "We have received information that the demonstration, which is expected to attract between 10,000 and 15,000 participants, will include representatives from various non-governmental organisations (NGOs), university students, and members of the public. "Participants are expected to gather at five main locations comprising Masjid Negara, Pasar Seni, Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad, Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru and Sogo Shopping Complex," he said, adding that they would then proceed toward Dataran Merdeka as the final convergence point. Usuf said that while police do not plan to impose any road closures in Kuala Lumpur, traffic monitoring and control operations will be in place to ensure smooth movement in and out of the affected areas. It was reported that police anticipate a turnout of between 10,000 and 15,000 people at the 'Turun Anwar' rally scheduled for July 26. The organisers had already informed the Dang Wangi district police headquarters of the planned gathering. About 2,000 officers and personnel would be deployed to help manage the rally and ensure the safety of participants and the general public. Police anticipate crowds will begin assembling from as early as 11am at various locations before marching towards Dataran Merdeka at 2pm.
Malay Mail
27-06-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
The nation's story, told in four galleries at Muzium Negara
KUALA LUMPUR, June 28 — In one corner of Gallery D at Muzium Negara, visitors will find the original Bendera Persekutuan Tanah Melayu. The flag was raised at the Selangor Club Padang (now Dataran Merdeka) after the British Union Jack was lowered on August 31, 1957, at midnight. To Muzium Negara Deputy Director Nor Hanisah Ahmad, it is one of the most important artefacts in the museum's collection. 'That flag is authentic — it's not a reproduction. Some people might think it's a copy, but it's the real one,' she said. 'It's proof that when we gained independence, we started as a federation of 11 states. It marks the moment we took back our identity,' she added. Designed by Mohamed Hamzah, a 29-year-old Public Works Department architect, the flag was selected through a national design competition in 1949 and refined under the guidance of Datuk Onn Jaafar. To involve the public in the decision, The Malay Mail ran a national poll, with the results published on November 28, 1949. Mohamed Hamzah's entry emerged as the firm favourite. The final version — 11 alternating red and white stripes representing the original states, a blue canton symbolising unity, and a yellow crescent and star for Islam — received royal assent from King George VI in May 1950. Seven years later, it was hoisted in place of the Union Jack as Malaya declared independence. For Nor Hanisah, the flag is not just a symbol; it is a chapter in a much longer story. 'You can't just look at one piece. You need to see the whole journey, how we went from prehistoric times all the way to becoming a modern nation,' she said. Muzium Negara Deputy Director Nor Hanisah Ahmad posing in front of Gallery B of the museum. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa. That journey begins in Gallery A, where the museum's narrative starts with prehistoric Malaya. Here, visitors will see tools used by early humans, such as stone axes for hunting and food preparation. 'We need to understand how our ancestors lived before technology, before modern systems,' Nor Hanisah explained. 'There were no knives, no kitchens. They used stone tools to survive, to hunt, to skin meat. It shows how humans adapted with what they had.' The museum then takes visitors through the transition into the Metal Age, when early humans began using underground metal ores to forge stronger tools — a leap forward that laid the foundation for organised communities. 'At first, they just used what was on the surface — rocks, stones. But then they discovered metal in the earth, and that changed everything. Suddenly, they could create better tools than before. That's where civilisation really starts,' she said. In Gallery B, the narrative shifts to early Malay kingdoms and regional power structures. But Gallery C, Nor Hanisah said, holds one of the most crucial artefacts for understanding Malaya's colonial past: the Pangkor Treaty table. 'I really think people should stop and look at the Pangkor table. That's where it all began — the British started interfering in the internal affairs of the Malay states,' she said. Diorama of the Pangkor Treaty signing table, marking the start of British intervention in the Malay states, displayed at Muzium Negara. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa Signed in 1874 between Raja Abdullah of Perak and Sir Andrew Clarke, the Pangkor Treaty marked the start of formal British intervention in Malaya. It recognised Raja Abdullah as the legitimate Sultan of Perak in exchange for him accepting a British Resident, who would advise on all matters except Islam and Malay customs. That Resident was J.W.W. Birch, the first in a long line of colonial administrators who would influence state affairs. The model was soon replicated in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Pahang, leading to the formation of the Federated Malay States in 1896 — a structure designed primarily to secure British economic interests, especially in tin and rubber. 'It's a turning point we must remember,' Nor Hanisah said. A visitor observing ancient artefacts in Gallery A of Muzium Negara, which showcases Malaya's early history. – Picture by Yusof Mat Isa She emphasised that the museum's four galleries, arranged chronologically, are designed to help Malaysians make sense of their national story. 'Each gallery has its own strength. We want people to walk through and understand how everything connects — from stone tools to the flag, from ancient survival to national independence,' she said. For Nor Hanisah, every artefact matters, not because of its rarity or visual appeal, but because of what it reveals. 'Every single collection here carries meaning. Every one of them tells a story — sometimes, a thousand and one stories behind a single object,' she said. In a time when historical literacy is often taken for granted, Nor Hanisah hopes the museum's artefacts will continue to speak, quietly but powerfully, to every Malaysian who walks through its doors.
Malay Mail
25-06-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
Too much history, too little room: Muzium Negara's quiet struggle
KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 — Muzium Negara, just across from KL Sentral, may look big from the outside but inside, there's barely enough room for Malaysia's past. Behind its grand façade, a quiet space crunch is limiting how Malaysia tells its own story. 'We have about half a million artefacts. But what's on display, maybe just 10 to 11 per cent,' said Muzium Negara Deputy Director Nor Hanisah Ahmad. The museum currently operates four main galleries and several temporary exhibition spaces, but even that, she says, is stretched thin. 'We get asked, 'Why isn't this era shown?' or 'Where's this story?'" "The truth is, we don't have enough room to tell everything,' she explained. While the museum rotates themed exhibitions annually, and even takes exhibits on the road through its travelling showcases, the challenge remains: history takes up space and Malaysia's national museum does not have enough of it. For context, Muzium Negara spans approximately 4,970 square metres across its three levels. In contrast, the British Museum in London covers over 92,000 square metres, while the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. — part of the Smithsonian — offers around 30,000 square metres of exhibition space. Closer to home, the National Museum of Singapore spans 18,400 square metres — more than three times the size of Muzium Negara. A legacy building, a growing collection Muzium Negara is housed in a gazetted heritage building, which means any structural upgrades or expansions are far from straightforward. 'Maintenance is not just about the artefacts, the building itself is a heritage structure,' Nor Hanisah said. 'We have to care for both,' she added. Many of the items not on display are stored offsite — one facility is housed within the Department of Museums Malaysia, another in Bangi. Additional storage exists in Lukut, Negeri Sembilan, the Perak museum and in Langkawi. But storage is only one part of the problem. Every time an object is displayed, it faces potential damage from light exposure and environmental wear and tear. With limited conservation staff, regular upkeep is an ongoing challenge. 'Sometimes we bring in conservation interns from universities like UMK just to help back us up,' she said. Muzium Negara Deputy Director Nor Hanisah Ahmad speaks during an interview with Malay Mail. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa A museum shaped by priorities Each year, Muzium Negara applies for allocations to expand its building footprint — but Nor Hanisah is candid about where the museum stands in the bigger national picture. 'If you had to choose between building a hospital or a museum, of course you'd pick the hospital," she said. 'We understand the limitations the country faces." "But it also means we have to make do,' she added. And so, the museum carries on with what it has. Temporary exhibitions are often held in shared spaces with the Department of Museums Malaysia next door. Despite the cramped conditions, the team continues to curate meaningful showcases, backed by internal discussions and expert input on what stories to prioritise. 'When there's too much to tell, we have to pick the big, important events," she explained. "What we can't show in the main galleries, we try to highlight in our temporary exhibitions,' she added. More than just storage For Nor Hanisah, the deeper issue is not just about square footage. It's about how Malaysians see their museums. 'People say museums are boring, but who decided they're boring?" she questioned. "Often it's people who haven't even been,' she said. 'If our mentality doesn't change, even if we make the museum high-tech, with all kinds of events and activities, it still won't matter,' she emphasised. Since the pandemic, the museum has actually seen a rise in footfall; Nor Hanisah said last year, Muzium Negara received more than 500,000 visitors. She believes the surge in interest began partly due to limited travel options during the movement control order, which helped popularise Muzium Negara. More importantly, she feels Malaysians are now beginning to appreciate the value of their own heritage. On the day Malay Mail visited, a steady stream of express buses, chartered to ferry schoolchildren, university students, and tourist groups, arrived throughout the day, quickly filling up the designated bus parking area. The car park was also packed to capacity. A visitor at Muzium Negara reads about the Japanese Occupation of Malaya (1941–1945). — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa 'They come back after 30 years, this time with their grandchildren, and they realise the museum is not what they remember from their school trips," she observed. "We've improved,' she added. Even so, operating a national museum on tight funds means every ringgit has to stretch. Tickets remain RM2 for adults, free for schoolchildren, and RM1 for senior citizens — 55 years old and above — and people with disabilities; not nearly enough to cover operational costs. 'We don't charge for profit — it's for data,' she said. 'Even the RM2 ticket doesn't cover the cost of the paper." "But the data helps us plan, justify funding, and improve,' she explained. And sometimes, she simply walks the galleries herself, speaking to visitors. 'That's how we get ideas to improve," she said. "Foreign visitors really appreciate what we have — it's good to hear that from them,' she added. Still, Nor Hanisah is realistic about the road ahead. 'We want to show so much more." "But until we get more space, more funding, we'll keep doing the best we can with what we have,' she concluded.
Malay Mail
24-06-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
An American bomber plane, a sense of nationhood and Tunku Abdul Rahman: Muzium Negara's origin story
KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 — The story of how Muzium Negara came to be is pretty dramatic as it involves an American Boeing B-29 bomber plane in 1945. In March of that year, the American bomber was aiming for the railway yards in then-Japanese occupied Kuala Lumpur but missed and struck the Selangor Museum instead. That bombing during World War II destroyed the original museum built in 1907 .What followed was nearly a decade of cultural 'void.' 'There was only a temporary structure after that, just one small building put up in 1953,' said Nor Hanisah Ahmad, deputy director of Muzium Negara. 'We didn't have a proper museum until after Merdeka,' she added. A combination photo shows aerial views of Muzium Negara, past and present. — Picture courtesy of Jabatan Muzium Malaysia After independence in 1957, then-Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman believed the young nation needed a national museum — not just to house artefacts but to tell the story of the country. That vision was brought to life by two key figures: Mervyn Sheppard — an Irish-born cultural adviser who later embraced Islam, became a Malayan citizen and took the name Mubin Sheppard — and Ho Kok Hoe, a Singapore-based architect. In his book titled 'Taman Budiman: Memoirs of an Unorthodox Civil Servant,' Sheppard recalled how an early government sketch for the museum looked 'nothing Malayan' and how his protest to the British architect was ignored. Tunku Abdul Rahman agreed with Sheppard and asked him to find someone who could design a museum with a Malaysian soul. Sheppard turned to Ho. 'One evening in 1958, the late Tan Sri Mubin Sheppard came to my office and asked if I wanted to design a Muzium Negara for Kuala Lumpur,' Ho recalled back in 2003. 'I said, 'Of course, I'd love to.' Within two days, I was flown to KL to meet Tunku.' 'Tunku reminded me that Malayan architecture must form the basis of the new museum's design,' Ho also said. Tunku was deeply involved in shaping that vision. Temporary museum after Muzium Selangor mistakenly bombed by an American B 29 bomber. — Picture courtesy of Jabatan Muzium Malaysia During the museum's official opening on August 31, 1963, he explained why it mattered. 'Before Merdeka, we only had a small museum in Kuala Lumpur,' he said in his speech. 'After we achieved independence, we thought it was right to take pride in our historical artefacts and cultural heritage, and that these should be displayed properly. So, it became clear that we needed a new national museum,' he explained. He had personally instructed preparations to begin in September 1958. 'This building is a source of pride, not just for me but for the people of this nation,' he said. To ensure authenticity, Tunku sent Ho to Alor Setar, Kedah to study the Balai Besar, one of the few remaining traditional Malay palaces. 'He created a majestic building, the kind you would not find in London or New York, but only here in Malaya,' Tunku said about Ho. 'The museum itself contains elements of Malay craftsmanship, inside and out.' Together, both Ho and Sheppard toured royal towns and buildings in Kedah and the East Coast, drawing inspiration from carved timber palaces and traditional Malay forms. The result was a bold design grounded in local heritage, with a structure inspired by the Balai Besar and adorned with traditional motifs. Construction began in 1959 and was completed in 1963, on the very site of the old Selangor Museum — a symbolic decision. The old Selangor museum before the bombing in 1945. — Picture courtesy of Jabatan Muzium Malaysia 'It was the border between Kuala Lumpur and Selangor at the time, so it was seen as a great location,' said Nor Hanisah. Funding, however, remained a challenge — especially for the striking front-facing murals. Tunku acknowledged the many private and international contributions that made the project possible. Among them was Tan Sri Lee Kong Chian who donated the massive mosaic murals made in Venice, Italy. 'These murals were made from Italian glass mosaics and are a beautiful gift. It adds grandeur to the building,' Tunku said. He also noted contributions from the government of Pakistan, which donated the mosaic flooring in the museum's main hall, and Singaporean businessman Aw Cheng Chye who donated the terrazzo tiles flanking the museum's staircase. Even a 900-year-old bronze statue discovered in a tin mine in Sungai Siput was gifted by 'Towkay' The Seng Chew. 'His gift was warmly received and deeply appreciated,' said Tunku. Nor Hanisah noted that the murals remain one of the museum's most recognisable features. 'People know Muzium Negara not only for its architecture, but also for the mural at the front of the building,' she said. 'It depicts the heritage and history of our nation,' she added. The museum also became a canvas for local talent. Kelantan-born artist Nik Zainal Abidin Nik Salleh was commissioned to design traditional motifs throughout the interior, from decorative screens and wooden beams to a now-iconic emblem bearing the words 'Muzium Negara' in Arabic script framed by hibiscus leaves. Tunku expressed hope that the museum would be more than just a structure. He wanted it to become a place of learning, pride, and cultural advancement. 'It is my hope that positions in this museum will attract highly qualified individuals,' he said. 'This museum must be given sufficient funding so it can serve education, research, and progress,' he added. A commemorative book published for its 60th anniversary in 2023 described Muzium Negara as a 'symbol of unity' in post-independence Malaysia, a project shaped by donations from ordinary Malaysians, royalty, private companies, and foreign governments. 'Many came forward with donations and contributions... with great pride,' the book noted, a collective spirit that turned a national dream into concrete and tile. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim once described Muzium Negara as more than just a repository of artefacts — he saw it as a potential centre for knowledge and learning. 'Transforming museums into centres of learning might be a new concept for our country, but in more developed nations, they serve as vital hubs of knowledge,' Anwar said in 1984, during his tenure as Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports. Today, Muzium Negara stands as one of the few remaining post-Merdeka landmarks to wear its cultural identity on its walls — literally and architecturally. Its story, born of war, vision, and community spirit, remains etched in glass, concrete, and memory. Muzium Negara Deputy Director Nor Hanisah Ahmad. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa Nor Hanisah said the Muzium Negara will always remain relevant to Malaysia as it is a place to learn from the past. 'Because nowadays, everyone is chasing things that are in the future, things that lie ahead, like technology or whatever we envision for the future,' she said. 'But actually, we cannot abandon our history. We have to look at our history, we have to understand it, how else can we prove our origins, defend our rights, and so on?' 'And that's why we need museums because with museums, people can see real, tangible evidence,' she concluded.
