Monument to freedom, friendship

Remembering history: (From left) TV personality and social media influencer, Nurul Syuhaida Ariffin speaking to panellists Tunku Zain Al-’abidin Ibni Tuanku Muhriz, the second son of Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, Launer, Daniel and Tunku Mohd Taufek during the launch of the Tugu Negara exhibition. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: The historical importance of the Tugu Negara is well known, but what is less known is how two men from disparate backgrounds came together to make the monument a reality and established a long friendship thereafter.

The five-decade friendship between Austrian-born sculptor Tan Sri Felix de Weldon and Malaysia’s founding father Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj came to the forefront yesterday as Felix’s son spoke passionately about their union.