National Monument of Malaysia free essay sample

The National Monument is situated at the centre of the reflecting pool. The monument was designed by the famous American sculptor Felix de Weldon, who also designed the Iwo Jima Memorial in Washington. The idea of erecting the bronze monument came to the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al Haj, Malaysias first prime minister, in 1960 when he visited the USMC War Memorial statue in his visit to America in October 1960 and personally met the renowned sculptor for favour to design the monument. The National Monument was built at a cost of RM600, 000. The National Monument was erected to recognize and honour of those who gave up their lives in the cause for peace and freedom during the 1st and 2nd World Wars, and particularly during the nation’s struggle against the threat of Communism (the period of Malayan Emergency) from the years 1948 to 1960. The monument stands at 15. 54m high, and is made up of a diorama of seven bronze human figures, atop an oblong base. We will write a custom essay sample on National Monument of Malaysia or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Each figure at the National Monument denotes one of the seven qualities: courage, leadership, sacrifice, strength, suffering, unity and vigilance. The topmost figure, at the centre of the National Monument, holds aloft the Malaysian flag. He is flanked on the left and right by 2 other soldiers, both armed – the figure on the left is armed with a machinegun, while the other carries a rifle and a bayonet. Kneeling slightly on the right side of the central figure is a fourth soldier, who is tending to a fifth wounded ompatriot. To the front and below these five figures are 2 fallen enemies. The granite base of the monument bears on inscription in English with Roman script and Malay with Jawi script: â€Å"Dedicated to the heroic fighters in the cause of peace and freedom, May the blessing of Allah be upon them†. Overall the monument depicts the victory of the forces of democracy, peace and freedom over that of the communist and evil. The Tugu Negara should be designated as one of the Wonders of Malaysia. It is one of the national symbols of Malaysia and it is built in honour of those who had fought and fell defending our beloved country; the seven soldiers atop the monument symbolizes the loyalty, sacrifice and co-operation of the people of Malaysia