8 Free Memorial Museums in Kuala Lumpur and Melaka

Learning the abbreviated descriptions of important people can often be the norm for museum highlights as museums usually cover a whole slew of topics and there is only so much space. That’s what is so exciting about the latest tourism products coming from the National Archives of Malaysia. Eight ‘museums’ have been chosen to highlight and memorialize, in their entirety, some of the more important individuals who made impacts in Malaysia during their lifetimes. These memorial museums in Kuala Lumpur and Melaka are also free to visit.

Now referred to as ‘memorials’, presently six of those memorials are located in Kuala Lumpur and two are in Melaka. Recent upgrades to displays as well as additional documents and memorabilia have helped make these historic journeys easy on the eye and easier to absorb the plethora of information they contain. A few more memorial museum additions are in the works as well, so stay tuned.

Malaysia is a fascinating country and the influence of some very unique countrymen have definitely helped make it what it is today. Follow the Memorial Trails to learn more!

KUALA LUMPUR MEMORIAL TRAIL

 

Memorial Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra
( Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Memorial)

The Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Memorial, highlighting Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, is the first stop on the National Archive’s memorial trail map and rightly so. Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra was truly an amazing man. Often referred to in Malaysia as the Father of Independence, Tunku Rahman reminds me a bit of America’s Abraham Lincoln. Not the rags to riches part, but the giant among men part. Rahman’s life story is beyond impressive.

For those who don’t know, a ‘Tunku’ in Malaysia is a prince. That’s right, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra was of royal lineage. Kedah royal lineage to be more precise. His father, Abdul Hamid Halim Shah II, was the 26th Sultan of Kedah, Malaya from 1881 to 1943 during the controversial signing of the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909. Rahman, born February 8, 1903, was just six years old at the time.

One might think it would be enough just to go through life satisfied with such a title, but not Rahman. As the 3rd of 12 children from his father’s sixth wife, Tunku Rahman also had a whopping 27 half brothers and sisters (from his father’s other marriages) and yet managed to outshine most of them with his lifetime accomplishments. (However, his elder half-brother Badlishah became the 27th Sultan of Kedah).

The Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Memorial is a unique collection of memorabilia, photos, heirlooms, documents and even clothing previously worn by Malaysia’s first Prime Minister; a Malaysian statesman and lawyer as well as the first Chief Minister of the Federation of Malaysia from 1955 to 1957. He served as the first Prime Minister of Malaysia from 1955 to 1970.

The building itself is 120 years old and was the previous home to the first Prime Minister (called simply ‘Tunku’ by many). The layout and décor are a sharp contrast to subsequent prime ministers’ official abodes, not in a pretentious way, but more in a classy, royal family kind of way. All which has been well preserved and frozen in time for visitors to see.

In addition to the main Residential Building, there are two other buildings known as Block A and Block B. This memorial is sizable and jam packed with interesting things to see and plaques to read (in both Bahasa Melayu and English). Be sure to allot yourself at least an hour or more, because the Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Memorial is worth it.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Memorial
Jalan Dato’ Onn, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2694 7277
Open: Tuesday-Thursday 0900 to 1700
Friday 0900 to 1200/ 1500 to 1700
Saturday-Sunday 0900 to 1700

 

Memorial Tun Hussein Onn
(Tun Hussein Onn Memorial)

The new Tun Hussein Onn Memorial is located right next door to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Memorial. The original memorial was opened in February 2006 in what was previously the Perdana Complex building (which is just down the hill and has since been converted into the Memorial Negarawan). The new Tun Hussein Onn Memorial project began in 2015 and officially reopened in 2017.

Tun Hussein Onn was Malaysia’s third Prime Minister from January 1976 until his retirement in July 1981. Born in February 1922, Onn’s career spanned from military service in the Indian Army to becoming an instructor at the Malayan Police Recruiting and Training Centre in Pakistan to being appointed Commandant of the Johor Bahru Police Depot. In 1946, he joined the Malaya Civil Service before entering politics and eventually went on to law school in London. Tun Hussein Onn practiced law in Kuala Lumpur for many years prior to becoming Prime Minister.

With Onn’s diverse background, the new Tun Hussein Onn Memorial had plenty to work with. The new exhibition space is divided into three levels, with level 3 being the starting place for visitors. Level three consists of an introduction to the Integration Complex, the early history of the Prime Minister’s Department (JPM) and the objectives of the Tun Hussein Onn Memorial. Level 2 highlights the biography and family tree of Onn and Level 1 showcases the service and contributions of Tun Hussein Onn.

The new memorial building’s location brings Memorial Tunku Abdul Rahman, Memorial Tun Hussein Onn, and Memorial Negarawan all within a short walking distance from each other, but the Onn Memorial is an architectural marvel within its own right. The stunning ‘green’ design was created by Arkitek Kamal Alwi, a Kuala Lumpur architectural firm whose design concept was based on encouraging patriotism as well as demonstrate green lifestyle ideas to future generations. The Tun Hussein Onn Memorial is not to be missed; it’s very impressive.

Tun Hussein Onn Memorial
Jalan Dato’ Onn, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2031 5540/ 5561
Open: Tuesday-Thursday 0900 to 1700
Friday 0900 to 1200/ 1500 to 1700
Saturday-Sunday 0900 to 1700

 

Memorial Negarawan
(Statesmen Memorial)

The Memorial Negarawan (Statesmen Memorial) building is in its third building incarnation, which is often typical in Malaysia and also quite eco-minded. I’m all for building recycling and the National Archives of Malaysia have once again done a stupendous job with this memorial.

The original building was the Perdana Complex, which served as the Prime Minister’s office from 1970 to 1999 before the office was relocated to Putrajaya. In February 2006, the Tun Hussein Onn Memorial opened at this location and has since relocated to a brand-new building nearby next to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Memorial. What better location for a memorial dedicated to Malaysia’s top statesmen?

The Statesmen Memorial is dedicated to seven Malaysian statesmen who were instrumental in achieving the nation’s independence from Britain; Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Tun Temenngung Jugah, Tun V.T. Sambanthan, Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu, Tun Datu Mustapha, and Tun Fuad Stephens.

The diverse selection of men has inspiring stories to tell and the National Archives of Malaysia have given them ample space to speak. The three-level memorial is beautifully arranged and well-lit. The documents, photos and dioramas of these statesmen are riveting, so give yourself at least an hour or more to take it all in. The Statesmen Memorial is not to be missed.

Statesmen Memorial
Jalan Dato’ Onn, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2694 7277
Open: Tuesday-Thursday 0900 to 1700
Friday 0900 to 1200/ 1500 to 1700
Saturday-Sunday 0900 to 1700

 

Memorial Tun Abdul Razak
(Tun Abdul Razak Memorial)

In comparison to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Memorial, the Tun Abdul Razak Memorial reflects a more utilitarian philosophy. Tun Abdul Razak was Malaysia’s second Prime Minister and perhaps went to the extreme in showing the public what a humble, down to earth, trustworthy guy he was. The public was already accustomed to the spending habits of their first Prime Minister who didn’t actually need ‘their’ tax payer’s money for his interior decor preferences. But Razak probably did, even if to appear successful to visiting dignitaries. But maybe not, considering he was an ‘aristocratic descendant’ of Orang Kaya Indera Shabandar (one of four powerful chiefs in the state of Pahang).

Tun Abdul Razak was Malaysia’s second Prime Minister, from September 1970 until 1976. Prior to that, he was the first deputy Prime Minister under Prime Minister Rahman. Razak is credited in shaping the country’s economic development by introducing Malaysia’s New Economic Policy (MNEP) and his contributions to rural development. He is also referred to as the Father of Development.

Razak’s government assigned residence turned memorial museum is said to be a ‘California’ style abode, but it’s difficult to access whose idea that was; his or the government. The layout of the building has little to no Malaysian architectural influence and the various rooms would best be described as ‘quaint’ with few (if any) passed down family heirlooms on display.

The Tun Abdul Razak Memorial has two Exhibition Halls where archived documents, photos, artefacts and career related memorabilia are on display. The two-story building was the official residence of Razak and his family until his death in 1976. According to the National Archives of Malaysia, the present sparse interior is arranged exactly how it was during Razak’s occupation. A visit to this memorial may be insightful for curious history buffs, so definitely worth stopping by.

Tun Abdul Razak Memorial
Jalan Perdana, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2693 7740
Open: Tuesday-Thursday 0900 to 1700
Friday 0900 to 1200/ 1500 to 1700
Saturday-Sunday 0900 to 1700

 

Pustaka Peringatan P. Ramlee
(P.Ramlee Memorial Library)

The P. Ramlee Memorial Library was established in 1986 to honor the life of Tan Sri P. Ramlee, one of Malaysia’s most famous and revered artists. P. Ramlee was an artist beyond the norm with his talents including acting, singing, directing and musician. Located in Ramlee’s former home on Jalan Dedap, this memorial is a colorful look at the beloved Malaysian star and his contributions towards Malaysia’s national art scene.

Born in 1929, Ramlee grew up in Penang. During 1942 to 1945, his studies at the Penang Free School were interrupted by the Japanese occupation, so he enrolled in the Japanese Navy School. His musical affinities were recognized early on, and even the Japanese military gave him plenty of opportunity to showcase his talents at various events. By 1948, at age 19, Ramlee had won multiple singing competitions and was writing his own songs. By 1950 P. Ramlee got his first movie break in ‘Bakti’, directed by L. Krishman.

Ramlee’s humble Jalan Dedap home now showcases his many awards, musical instruments, personal possessions and more. Dioramas of Ramlee’s life are colorfully displayed with many larger-than-life images of the local hero. At the entry of the memorial is Ramlee’s Datsun (car), as well as a bicycle trishaw used in the first film he directed; Penarak Becha ‘Trishaw Man’.

There is also a small movie theater inside the memorial where visitors can see P. Ramlee on the (mini version) of the silver screen. Even those who don’t know him will immediately fall in love with him because he is so gosh darn adorable.

In addition to learning all there is to learn of the great Tan Sri P. Ramlee, the P. Ramlee Memorial Library also has a very cool gift shop with some very cool t-shirts and Ramlee souvenirs, so be sure to stop in. This memorial is one of my favorites, because of its creative layout and the inspiring story it tells. A must visit for appreciators of the arts.

P.Ramlee Memorial Library
No. 22, Jalan Dedap
Taman P. Ramlee, Setapak, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-4023 1131
Open: Tuesday-Thursday 0900 to 1700
Friday 0900 to 1200/ 1500 to 1700
Saturday-Sunday 0900 to 1700

 

Galeria Sri Perdana
(Sri Perdana Galleria) Presently closed for upgrading

Galeria Sri Perdana is the former Kuala Lumpur residence of Malaysia’s fourth (and seventh) Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad from August 1983 until October 1999. The Father of Modernization was Malaysia’s longest serving Prime Minister. The Galeria is divided into two upper levels with the first level being the main area for official visits as well as welcoming friends and family. This level presently has a meeting room, banquet kitchen, exhibition hall and theater. The second level of the memorial consists of the main bedroom, family area, children’s bedrooms, family dining room and collections of Tun Mahathir’s personal items.

The Sri Perdana Galleria opened to the public in December 2003 and is presently closed for upgrading, with a planned March 2023 reopening date. So, stay tuned! In the meantime, Mahathir fans can visit Galeria Perdana in Langkawi or his birthplace in Alor Setar, Kedah.

Sri Perdana Galleria
Jalan Terengganu (off Jalan Damansara), Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2072 0033
Open: Tuesday-Thursday 0900 to 1700
Friday 0900 to 1200/ 1500 to 1700
Saturday-Sunday 0900 to 1700

Melaka Memorial Trail

 

Memorial Tun Abdul Ghafar Baba
(Tun Abdul Ghafar Baba Memorial)

The Tun Abdul Ghafar Baba Memorial was originally opened in 2006. The simple, no-frills house was the residence of Tun Abdul Ghafar Baba that he, himself, had renovated after being appointed the Melaka Chief Minister. From the looks of the interior layout a few rooms were added to the original house, but nothing too lavish.

Born in 1925, the son of a low-income villagers, Tun Abdul Ghafar Baba became a teacher before later getting involved in politics. Ghafar was the second Chief Minister of Melaka and served from June 1959 to October 1967. In 1986 he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister by Prime Minister Mahathir, but was defeated by Anwar Ibrahim in 1993 during an UMNO election.

The memorial museum is divided into two main areas, with the lower-level showcasing Ghafar’s personal items used during his service to the Malaysian government. The upper level of the memorial features two bedrooms and many items of furniture, photographs, memorabilia and documents.

The homey vibe of this memorial made me immediately like this politician. Tun Abdul Ghafar Baba’s history is another inspiring Malaysian success story and well-worth hearing.

Tun Abdul Ghafar Baba Memorial
Lot 163 Persiaran, Tun Ghafar Baba
Peringgit, Melaka
Tel: 06-284 4593
Open: Tuesday-Thursday 0900 to 1800
Friday 0900 to 1215/ 1500 to 1800
Saturday-Sunday 0900 to 1800

 

Memorial Penghisytiharan Kemerdekaan
(Proclamation of Independence Memorial)

The Proclamation of Independence Memorial building was previously Melaka’s first European social club; the Malacca Club. The iconic building was built in 1917 and served as a social club until 1984 when the land lease ran out. The building was taken over by the Malaysian government and converted into the Proclamation of Independence Memorial in 1985.  The memorial museum was officiated by former Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman on August 31st of that year.

The memorial was established to commemorate the service and sacrifices of those who fought for independence and freedom from colonialists. Ironic that the building chosen was of such a ‘colonial’ era design. However, the newly refurbished memorial museum exhibits photos and documents of the early era of Malay Sultanate and the journey of Malaysia from independence to its modern development.

The pristine condition of the ancient building is a vision in itself, but the displays inside are even more so. A fascinating look at the timeline of Malaya to the Malaysia of today, in beautifully arranged displays and dioramas that are well lit, easy to read (in both Bahasa Melayu and English) and easy to comprehend.

The Proclamation of Independence Memorial is located in front of the Pahlawan Field (Padang Pahlawan), where Tunku Rahman declared the date of Independence, after his return from London in February 1956. The unity between the three major ethnic groups of Malays, Chinese and Indians led to the London Agreement and the decision that Malaya would achieve independence on August 31, 1957.

This gorgeous memorial was still being refurbished when I visited in September 2022, but even with a few workmen milling about and dust the shine of this project was obvious. Not to be missed and be sure to give yourself plenty of time to absorb, because it’s fascinating.

Proclamation of Independence Memorial
Jalan Parameswara, Bandar Hilir, Melaka
Tel: 06-284 1231/ 06-284 1232
Open: Tuesday-Thursday 0900 to 1700
Friday 0900 to 1200/ 1500 to 1700
Saturday-Sunday 0900 to 1700

Free Memorial Museums in Kuala Lumpur & Melaka

As you can see the National Archives of Malaysia have been quite busy during the last few years! With their present projects and future projects their mission of identifying, acquiring and preserving collections and heritage items of Malaysia’s leaders, they are ensuring future generations will have easy access for educational purposes, and to enhance their own national pride. Much effort has gone into creating these Memorial Museums in Kuala Lumpur and Melaka, and Malaysians as well as visitors to Malaysia, will gain great insight into the amazing country of Malaysia. I guarantee it.