By Eric Lim
On 31 August 2023, our country celebrated its 66th National Day. This auspicious day also marked the 60th anniversary of Muzium Negara / National Museum since its establishment. The National Museum was officially declared opened by the Third Yang DiPertuan Agong, Tuanku Syed Putra Al-Haj Ibni Almarhum Syed Hassan Jamalullail (Raja of Perlis) in 1963.
The opening of Muzium Negara on 31 August 1963 / Photo source: National Museum’s 60th Anniversary Exhibition: A Retrospective.
The present Muzium Negara building was constructed on the site of the former Selangor Museum which stood from 1906 to 1945. On 10 March 1945, a part of the building was mistakenly bombed by the Allied Forces and many artefacts were moved to the Perak Museum in Taiping. After Malaya’s Independence, the idea of establishing a National Museum was mooted and plans to build one was announced in 1959. Ho Kok Hoe, an architect from Singapore was commissioned to design the building and in 1961, Tunku Abdul Rahman endorsed the architectural design.
The design is based on the architectural characteristics of the palaces of the Malay Kings and another unique feature is the two huge murals made of Venetian glass mosaic that cover the facade of the building. The murals highlight the history and craft of the country respectively and it was designed by Cheong Lai Tong. The mosaic tiles were donated by Lee Kong Chian (of Lee Rubber) and Tan Kah Hee (founder of Xiamen University, China). Also, the tiles in the main hall were contributed by the Government of Pakistan. Back then, the National Museum together with Parliament house, National Monument (Tugu Negara) and the Lake Gardens (Perdana Botanical Garden today), formed a large recreational space. And the National Museum was certified a National Heritage Building under the National Heritage Act 2005 on 11 August 2015.
Muzium Negara / Photo source : National Museum
In conjunction with the jubilee anniversary celebration, the Department of Museums Malaysia (Jabatan Muzium Malaysia / JMM), organized a host of activities for four days starting from 31 August to 3 September. It includes two major exhibitions, National Museum’s 60th Anniversary Exhibition : A Retrospective at the main hall and Malaysia My Motherland Exhibition at Galeri 2, both running from 31 August to 31 October. Besides exhibitions, other programmes were Echo : Poetry Night, Mini concert, Media & Strategic Partner Appreciation Ceremony, National Museum 60th Anniversary Run (Mini Marathon) and launching of the Time Capsule by the Minister of National Unity, Aaron Aro Dagang at the official opening ceremony held on 1 September.
Museum Volunteers (MV) which is a non-profit, non-political and non-religious group supported by the Department of Museums Malaysia and based at Muzium Negara, was invited to some of the events. The highlight was the giving away of graduation certificates by the Director General of the Department of Museums Malaysia to graduates from Batch 38 and 39 at the Media & Strategic Partner Appreciation Ceremony held on the evening of 1 September at the Mainstage (Pentas Utama). It was truly a memorable occasion for the fresh graduates as it was the first time that it was organized on such a grand scale. At the same function, JMM also awarded a certificate to senior MV member, V. Jegatheesan (fondly known as Jega) for his significant contributions to the group.
MV graduates and Jega with their certificates.
Photo source: Courtesy of Lim Ee Lin
MV members also took part in the National Museum 60th Anniversary Run (Mini Marathon) that was held on 3 September 2023. The run was separated into two categories, namely the 5km Fun Run and the 10km Run.
A map of the 10km marathon route. Photo source: Eric Lim
The longer route covered the perimeter of Perdana Botanical Garden with a detour towards Masjid Negara (National Mosque), and a turnaround before heading back to the garden to the finishing line at Muzium Negara.
Enroute, we passed the following sites:
Royal Lake Club Kuala Lumpur (Kelab Taman Perdana DiRaja Kuala Lumpur)
It was founded on 16 August 1890, two years after the Lake Gardens was established. Initially set up for the British working in the country, it has since evolved to become a leading cosmopolitan social club. In 1985, the name changed to Royal Lake Club when it was bestowed the royal patronage by the late Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah of Selangor.
KL Bird Park
The KL Bird Park is the world’s largest free flight walk-in aviary. It is home to more than 3,000 birds comprising over 200 different species. It was opened in 1991.
Tun Abdul Razak Memorial
It was the official residence building of our second Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak, from 1962 until his passing in January 1976. It was then known as Sri Taman Building. The building was later turned into a museum and was officially opened to the public on 6 May 1982 to commemorate his service and contributions to the country.
National Planetarium (Planetarium Negara)
It had its soft opening to the public in 1993 and was officially opened by the then Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on 7 February 1994. The National Planetarium is within walking distance from Muzium Negara, connected by an overhead pedestrian bridge.
I was initially undecided whether to go for the fun run or 10km but thanks to fellow MV Emna who coaxed me into taking the longer route. I managed to complete within the time limit but I must admit that I lost out to avid runner and Hong Kong actor, Chow Yun Fat who still continues his running regimen in spite of the injuries he suffered two months ago. Kudos to fellow MVs who completed the run, short or long. The run was a perfect wrap up for the Muzium Negara celebrations.
MVs with their finishing medals.
Photo source: Courtesy of Kulwant Kaur
References
HK actor Chow Yun-fat continues to run despite doctors’ orders to stop following fall | Malay Mail: https://www.malaymail.com/news/showbiz/2023/08/15/hk-actor-chow-yun-fat-continues-to-run-despite-doctors-orders-to-stop-following-fall/85336
Lake Gardens Kuala Lumpur | Attractions | Wonderful Malaysia: https://www.wonderfulmalaysia.com/attractions/lake-gardens-kuala-lumpur.htm
Memorial Tun Abdul Razak: http://www.arkib.gov.my/web/guest/memorial-tun-abdul-razak3
National Museum: http://www.muziumnegara.gov.my/en/national-museum
Royal Lake Club: https://www.royallakeclub.org.my/
Museum Volunteers, JMM 