Memoriam aims to promote local history amongst Malaysians with over 50 exhibits being featured in conjunction with Malaysia’s Independence Day

PETALING JAYA, 23 August 2022 – Paradigm Mall Petaling Jaya, one of the malls under the management of WCT Malls Management Sdn Bhd revealed its Tunku Abdul Rahman Pop-Up Memoriam program in partnership with the National Archives of Malaysia.

The pop-up memoriam, which will last for two months, is aimed at promoting local history to fellow Malaysians, especially the younger generation on the country’s journey to independence, instilling patriotism among the community while giving the public a chance to appreciate the contribution of Malaysia’s first Prime Minister. Located at Level G (Lot GF-33) of Paradigm Mall Petaling Jaya, the memoriam will feature over 50 personal belongings and artefacts of Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj. The exhibition will run from 19th August 2022 – 10th October 2022 in conjunction with two historical dates in Malaysia, 31st August – Malaysia’s Independence Day and 16th September - Formation of Malaysia.

Selena Chua, Chief Executive Officer – WCT Malls Management said, “We are very honoured to host a pop-up memoriam in the mall, featuring Malaysia’s founding father who has contributed so much to the nation’s growth and independence. We would like to thank the National Archives of Malaysia for their valued support.

We at WCT Malls are constantly evolving and experimenting with interesting ways of organising events, promotions, and activities, especially during this endemic period. The idea of having a pop-up memoriam in a mall during the patriotic months of August and September is a fresh and creative way to support local tourism through the sharing of our rich culture, heritage, and a celebration of history.

Among the exhibits at the pop-up memoriam are Tunku Abdul Rahman’s red vintage car which he used during the reception ceremony for the return of the Merdeka Team from London, a Parker pen that was used to sign The Federation of Malaya Agreement in 1948 between Malay Rulers and British High Commissioner to Malaya, Meja Merdeka which was used during the Merdeka Declaration Ceremony at Stadium Merdeka on 31st August 1957, collection of old coins and paper notes, Tunku’s clothes, including the one that he wore during the Independence Day Ceremony on 31 August 1957 and some manuscripts and souvenirs which were produced in the late ’50s during the nation’s independence.

A projector will also be set up inside the memoriam to play black and white videos of the journey to independence as well as Tunku’s speeches at events. Photos of Tunku and his family, friends and members of the Government will also be displayed in the memoriam. The pop-up memoriam was officially launched by YM Tunku Muinuddin Putra, the eldest grandson of Tunku Abdul Rahman on 23 August 2022.

Other highlights and public activities that will take place at Paradigm Mall Petaling Jaya during the 2- month exhibition are as follows:

1. Merdeka workshops in which children and parents or family can participate in arts and crafts such as Merdeka Windmill, Scratch Art, keychain making and more.
2. The Story Book Academy will also be organising a “Storytelling Competition on any topic related to Malaysia” at the pop-up memoriam area with the participation of 40 kids on 10 September 2022.
3. Merdeka Photography Contest by Photography Society of Petaling Jaya is ongoing until 31 August 2022. Members of the public can submit photos of their interpretation of “Muhibbah” and win up to RM800 worth of shopping vouchers from Paradigm Mall Petaling Jaya. There are also digital contests in which the public can participate like the#BapaMerdekaPMPJ Snap & Win Contest. All the Instagrammers and social media followers need to do is snap creative pictures of themselves in the pop-up memoriam to win shopping vouchers worth RM300 from Paradigm Mall Petaling Jaya. Those who are up for a challenge can also participate in the TikTok Video contest in which they are required to dress up in traditional wear and reenact the scene of Tunku Abdul Rahman declaring independence, in the most original way to win shopping vouchers worth RM500!

Those who would like to get more information about our country’s journey towards Independence are welcomed to visit Memorial Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra situated at Jalan Dato Onn, Kuala Lumpur. There are more artefacts being displayed including Malaysia’s first Prime Minister’s Official Residence and office or indulge yourself in the Arkib Negara Malaysia 360⁰ virtual exhibition, where all Memorials are virtually accessible through the web 24/7! The Virtual Exhibition can be found at http:// http://eksplorasinegarawan.arkib.gov.my

For more information about the festivities and promotions, kindly visit the Paradigm Mall PJ Website: www.paradigmmall.com.my