KUALA LUMPUR: Discover the stories behind Malaysia's journey in reaching its independence through the “Jalan Merdeka: Traversing the route to Merdeka” exhibition at Carcosa Seri Negara.
The exhibition showcases artefacts, photographs and narratives that occurred prior to Aug 31, 1957.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who visited the exhibition today, said there were many valuable artefacts such as the Dabu Dabu - the world’s largest historical Malay drum, from the 19th century.
He said the public can learn more and appreciate not only how the nation gained its independence but the process and hardship it endured to get there.
“This (Carcosa Seri Negara) is where the Federation of Malaya Agreements were signed in 1948 and 1957, and it contributed to the start of the country's independence.
“As the building itself has its own historical value, and given my interest in history, I had actually discussed with Asian Heritage Museum (AHM) Sdn Bhd chief executive officer K.K Tan to have this exhibition back in 2010.
“However, we could not make it happen as I was just a member of parliament then. Luckily, with my position now, I am able to assist AHM in obtaining tenancy over Carcosa for Jalan Merdeka for three years. The building has not been renovated but its facets have been improved for the exhibition,” he said.
He said the challenge now is to have the building restored to its former glory as it was left abandoned for eight years. Any renovations, he said, must be approved by the ministry so the building will be preserved in its original state.
Wan Junaidi hoped that with the exhibition, Carcosa Seri Negara will not be abandoned and forgotten again.
The Jalan Merdeka exhibition kicked off on Sept 1, and is the project of the Asian Heritage Museum (AHM) in partnership with Media Prima Bhd.
It is open to the public from 8am to 5pm daily.
Among the activities include the “wayang pancak” showing classical movies at the field opposite Carcosa Seri Negara.
The public can bring their own mattresses or mats to the movies.
For more information on the exhibition's activities, visit their Facebook page, Jalan1957 or follow them on Instagram, @JalanMerdeka