Considered one of the oldest districts in Kedah, Malaysia, quaint Baling holds a significant place in Malaysia’s history books as a once-upon-a-time communist operation area, and later the location of the famous 1955 ‘Baling Talks’. The newly refurbished Galeri Rundingan Baling (aka Baling Negotiation Gallery) houses a collection of historic memorabilia related to these negotiations between the leaders of the Malayan Communist Party (MCP), the Malay Race Liberation Army (MRLA), the newly formed Malayan government and the British.
A Little Pre-Baling Talks Communist Background
The rise in Malaysia’s (Malaya at the time) communist party membership came on the cusp of the region’s weak economy created by World War II and the invasion of Malaya. Unemployment, low wages and inflation led to increasingly aggressive trade union protests between 1946 and 1948. The communists were fighting to establish a socialist economy for Malaya, as well as independence from the British Empire. The Malayan Federation and Commonwealth forces were fighting to combat communism and to protect British colonial interests.
Ironically, many of these communist ‘terrorists’ were veterans of the Malayan Peoples’ Anti-Japanese Army (MPAJA), which was a communist guerrilla army trained, armed and funded by the British to help fight the Japanese during World War II.
To clarify, the Baling Talks was a meeting between the leaders of the Malay Race Liberation Army and the leaders of the newly formed Malayan government and the British to end the armed rebellion of PKM. Those present were Tunku Abdul Rahman (who later became the first Prime Minister of Malaysia), Dato’ Sir Tan Cheng Lock, David Marshall, Chin Peng, Chen Tien and Rashid Maidin.
The leaders unfortunately didn’t reach a mutual agreement, as the surrender terms were not acceptable to Chin Peng and the Malayan Communist Party.
Baling Talks (aka Negotiations) Gallery
Galeri Rundigan Baling recreates this historic event through dioramas and informative displays. Signboards in both Bahasa Melayu and English, with life sized images of the main players of the Baling Talks do an excellent job at bringing the Baling Talks story to life. The graphics are similar to other historic galleries and museums recently revitalized by the National Archives of Malaysia.
The recent refurbishing of the gallery has not only improved the preservation of the historic location and various documents, it has also made the historic facts easier to understand; especially for non-Malaysians.
The room where MCP leader Chin Peng rested between lengthy conversations is preserved as if he has just stepped out for a bit. Transcripts from the talks are open for viewing. And larger than life photos of ordinary village folks turned soldiers are also on display, showing that WWII and its aftermath obviously ignited a unified passion among the people of Malaya.
The gallery even highlights the two folktales of how Baling possibly got its name, which from my travel experiences usually has some inkling of truth no matter how far-fetched a tale may seem. They even have a small screening room to show old news clips from the talks. Truly an interesting little museum that history buffs will surely find intriguing. I sure did!
Baling Talks Gallery is located about 1-hour from Sungai Petani next to SK Tunku Putera School. Don’t be surprised if a group of school kids suddenly appear as the gallery seems to be an extension of their school yard. The kids are adorable, by the way, so be sure to get a selfie with them.
The gallery is presently only open on Sundays from 10:00am until 4:30pm. Be sure to plan your next Baling trip accordingly, because including the Baling Negotiation Gallery in your itinerary is worth it.
My participation in this media trip to Baling, Kedah was arranged and sponsored by QTT Group PLT , Global Travel Sdn Bhd (KOLA), and KembaRojak. Special thanks also go to local sponsors; Majlis Daerah Baling, APM Baling, the good folks at Gua Sireh and Malim Gunung.
Baling Negotiation Gallery
Bersebelahan SK Tunku Putera, Kampung Banggol Lada
Baling, Kedah 09100
Open: Sundays 10:00am until 4:30pm/ Entry: Free
Phone: 04-733 1162 DIRECTIONS
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