Memorials for Malaysia’s Heroes

ZAIDI AZMI | 18 August 2025

Welcome to Sri Taman: The stately entrance to the home of Malaysia’s second Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak. – Photos: ZAIDI AZMI

IN the heart of downtown Kuala Lumpur stand four memorials dedicated to the men who helped shape our nation – each holding a chapter of Malaysia’s journey to independence. Step inside, and these are more than bricks and mortar; they are living archives where photographs speak, artefacts whisper, and ideals linger in the quiet air that preserves our rich history.

This Aug 31, as we celebrate Hari Kebangsaan, why not explore these storied halls? You’ll discover that Malaysia was built not by one voice alone, but by many – united in vision, courage and love for the country. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning as a local, these memorials remind us that our nation’s heartbeat echoes through history.

Built in the late 1800s for British governors, this colonial mansion became Tunku Abdul Rahman’s home in 1956.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Memorial

Where: Jalan Dato’ Onn, Kuala Lumpur
When: Open daily from 9am–5pm (Closed Mondays & Friday afternoons)

Perched on a hill at Jalan Dato’ Onn, this colonial mansion witnessed history unfold. It saw the Union Jack lowered, the Jalur Gemilang rise, and the word Merdeka sweep through the air like a prayer answered.

Today, the Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Memorial is a museum in the city commemorating the life and achievements of Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, known as Bapa Kemerdekaan or Father of Independence, who served from 1957 until 1970.

For Tunku, the Residency was love at first sight. Built in the late 1800s for British governors, it became Tunku Abdul Rahman’s home in 1956 – a year before independence – symbolising the passing of the torch.

Life here was unhurried yet full. Mornings began with a walk to the nearby Prime Minister’s Department; afternoons ended with guests in the television room, dignitaries in the Cairo Room (named after the chairs here which were bought in Cairo!), and the aroma of Tunku’s own perfected curries in the kitchen.

Today, visitors can wander through these rooms, step down to the reconstructed Prime Minister’s Department, and see Tunku’s original desk, chair and treasures. The proximity of house and office tells its own story – one anchored in family, the other in nation-building.

Tunku’s Desk: Complete with classic dial-up phone.

The Cairo Room: Where Tunku entertained guests.

Dining Room: Meals and moments at The Residency.

Tunku’s Rocker: His favourite seat for reflection.

PM’s Department: The early office of a new nation.

Memorial Tun Abdul Razak

Where? Perdana Botanical Garden, Jalan Cenderawasih, Kuala Lumpur. Open daily from 9am–5pm (Closed Mondays & Friday afternoons)

Along a quiet stretch of Jalan Perdana, two houses sit side by side. Sri Taman was the home of Malaysia’s second Prime Minister, a warm sanctuary where the world could wait until morning. Just steps away, Sri Aman – once the Inspector General of Police’s residence – now houses milestones of the former Prime Minister’s legacy.

Nestled within the lush greenery of Perdana Botanical Gardens, the memorial is a pause from the city’s busy rhythm. Sri Taman’s Californian-style home – with sunlit balconies, wide windows and a courtyard garden – offers a glimpse of Tun Razak’s vision: a leader whose concern stretched from cities to villages, fields and the people who worked them. Sri Aman presents key moments, from international diplomacy to the creation of the Red Book and Green Book, as well as a replica of the first Felda homes, modest yet brimming with possibility.

PM’s Desk: Tun Abdul Razak’s workspace, recreated.

War Room Replica: Where national strategies took shape.

Breezy Welcome: The open-air foyer at Sri Taman.

Felda Beginnings: Replica kampung home for settlers.

Dining with Dignity: Meals at Sri Taman’s dining room.

Legacy Entrance: Gallery doorway at Sri Aman.

Red Book Plan: The original Buku Merah blueprint.

Tun Razak built not just from grand halls, but brick by brick, field by field. Opened in 1982, the memorial honours Malaysia’s Bapa Pembangunan, or Father of Development, a leader who understood that independence is kept alive every time opportunity reaches new ground.

At the Helm: A faithful recreation of Tun Hussein Onn’s desk, preserved as if the nation’s leader has just stepped out.

Memorial Tun Hussein Onn

Where? Jalan Dato’ Onn, Kuala Lumpur. Open daily from 9am–5pm (Closed Mondays & Friday afternoons).

The Tun Hussein Onn Memorial, inaugurated in 2006, honours Malaysia’s third Prime Minister, fondly known as Bapa Perpaduan or Father of Unity. Its 60,500-sq-ft building is eco-friendly, the first Green Building Index-certified memorial for the Prime Minister’s Department.

Exhibits span three levels: the Integration Complex on Level 3, his family tree on Level 2, and contributions to the nation on Level 1. Muted tones, simple lines and thoughtful spacing invite contemplation rather than spectacle. The most intimate corner is a recreation of Tun Hussein Onn’s office, as if he just stepped out. From its green architecture to curated exhibits, the memorial speaks of quiet service and enduring values.

Timekeeper: Watches marking his years of service.

Leader on the Green: Tun Hussein Onn’s golf set.

In His Own Hand: Notes penned by the Prime Minister.

Headlines of an Era: News clippings from Tun Hussein Onn’s premiership.

Driven to Lead: His official Mercedes-Benz.

Memorial Negarawan

Where? Jalan Dato’ Onn, Kuala Lumpur. Openg daily from 9am–5pm (Closed Mondays & Friday afternoons).

Step into Memorial Negarawan, and the air shifts. Once the Prime Minister’s office, the building now honours seven visionary statesmen: Tun Dr. Ismail Abdul Rahman, Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Tun V.T. Sambanthan, Tun Datu Mustapha, Tun Mohammad Fuad Stephens, Tun Temenggung Jugah, and Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu. Their work – from negotiation and treaties to schools, bridges, and the unification of Sabah and Sarawak – reminds us that nation-building is both political and tangible.

Spread over three levels, the memorial guides visitors through seven galleries, each dedicated to one statesman. Original spaces, including the old Cabinet meeting room, anchor the exhibition, lending intimacy and authenticity. Here, the stories of Malaysia’s leaders stand shoulder to shoulder, showing that our nation was shaped by collaboration, courage and foresight.

Music in Mind: Tun Datu Mustapha’s favourite instrument.

A Leader’s Legacy: Entrance to Tun V.T. Sambanthan’s gallery.

Founding Figure: Portrait of Tun Tan Cheng Lock.

Golfing Statesman: Tun Dr. Ismail on the green.

Through His Lens: Tun Fuad Stephens’ personal camera.

Signature Style: Hats from Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu’s collection.

Statesman in Ceremony: Portrait of Tun Temenggung Jugah in formal ministerial attire.

For those unable to make the trip to Kuala Lumpur, the National Archives of Malaysia offers eNegarawan (enegarawan.arkib.gov.my), a 360° virtual tour portal which was launched in 2021. From anywhere, at any time, explore these memorials – and more – on your smart device, and step into Malaysia’s story from afar.

Discover more stories

See full list