Tugu Negara (National Monument)

Overview

Tugu Negara (National Monument) is a bronze sculpture group commemorating the 11,000 who died in Malaysia's struggle against the Japanese occupation, the Malayan Emergency, and the communist insurgency. Set in a lily-pond garden within the Lake Gardens, the 15-metre monument was sculpted by Felix de Weldon.

Highlights

• Bronze sculpture: Seven figures representing leadership, sacrifice, democracy, and other national virtues.
• ASEAN sculpture garden: A collection of sculptures donated by ASEAN member states set in the surrounding gardens.
• Cenotaph: A nearby memorial listing the names of fallen soldiers.

History

Designed by Felix de Weldon—sculptor of the Iwo Jima Memorial in Washington, D.C.—and unveiled on 8 February 1966 by Malaysia's first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman.

Visitor Tips

• Quiet visit: See it in the early morning before tour buses arrive.
• Combine: It's a short walk from the Perdana Botanical Garden.
• Duration: 15–20 minutes.