For Malaysian history enthusiasts, 'KAPMAN' complex is a must visit

For a better understanding of the Malaysian story, 'KAPMAN', which features an archive on the country's statesmen and memorial sites, is the place to visit in KL. Photo: Bernama

A rich archive of Malaysia's historical heritage can be explored with a visit to the Memorial Negarawan, Tun Hussein Onn Memorial, Tunku Abdul Rahman Memorial and the "Bangunan Residensi” (the official residence of Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia first Prime Minister) situated at Kompleks Arkib Perdana Menteri and Arkib Negarawan (KAPMAN) in Jalan Dato Onn in Kuala Lumpur.

These museums and memorial sites, which spotlight Malaysia's nation-building story with exhibitions, documents, photographs, digital tour, archives and more, are now looking to expand their appeal to tourists - domestic and foreign - who want a deeper understanding about the country.

Jaafar Sidek Abdul Rahman, National Archives of Malaysia (ANM) director-general, said plans are underway to make KAPMAN a "must visit” destination for such history lovers and tourists.

ANM is working with the 'KL Hop On Hop Off City Tour' bus service to include KAPMAN in the national tourism package.

A photography exhibit from the National Archives is seen at the Memorial Negarawan museum in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: Bernama

"This collaboration will help increase the number of visitors from the country and abroad to KAPMAN with the availability of the bus service,” he said.

The three-storey Memorial Negarawan (or the Statesmen Memorial) is dedicated to seven statesmen who played significant roles in achieving the country’s formation. They are Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Tun V.T. Sambanthan, Tun Datu Mustapha Datu Harun, Tun Mohd Fuad Stephens, Tun Temenggung Jugah Anak Barieng and Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu.

An exhibition about these national statesmen, which features a collection contributed by family members, close friends and related foundations, is now showing there.

On the digital front, ANM also collaborated with the Education Resources and Technology Division (BSTP) of the Ministry of Education for the "Explorasi Negarawan" virtual gallery platform.

Nearly 8,000 visitors have visited this virtual gallery since it was launched on Nov 10, 2021.

Entrance to all these memorial sites is free. - Bernama