PUTRAJAYA — The Perdana Leadership Foundation (PLF) is hosting its third Merdeka Exhibition from Aug 17 to Sept 30 in conjunction with National Independence Month, featuring historical artefacts and displays tracing Malaysia’s journey towards independence and nationhood.
Themed “Independence – A Shared Struggle, A Sacred Trust”, the exhibition is open to the public from Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm, at the Perdana Leadership Foundation, Precinct 8, Putrajaya. Admission is free.
Former prime minister and PLF honorary president Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad urged Malaysians to visit the exhibition and learn from the country’s history.
“Malaysia is no longer a young, newly independent nation. At 69, we should be a mature and confident nation striving onwards. We are, but we can be more.
“To move forward, we must understand our past, what we were and the paths we had traversed. There are many more roads not taken. Our history should guide us on the paths ahead,” he said.
PLF chief executive officer Zarina Abu Bakar said preserving and sharing Malaysia’s leadership history remained central to the foundation’s work.
She said the exhibition’s theme underscored that independence was a continuing journey shaped not only by the attainment of self-rule but also by the country’s ongoing efforts to assert its sovereignty.
“This responsibility must be carried forward by every generation,” she said, while inviting Malaysians, particularly students and educators, to visit the exhibition and reflect on the meaning of independence and sovereignty today.
The exhibition features three thematic zones, namely Sovereignty and Democracy, Economic Sovereignty, and National Identity and Spirit.
Zone One explores how independence and democracy established the foundations of a sovereign nation, empowering Malaysians to shape the country’s future through participation and representation.
Zone Two highlights Malaysia’s pursuit of economic self-determination, including efforts to regain ownership of the economy and strengthen national prosperity.
Zone Three traces symbols of nationhood and celebrates the Malaysian spirit through sports.
A special feature, “Pioneers of Early Malaysia”, pays tribute to individuals and institutions whose vision, courage and service contributed to the country’s development.
Visitors can also take part in educational and interactive activities, including Merdeka stamp-printing, a “Cast Your Vote” simulation, art and financial literacy sessions, newspaper headline composition and colouring contests.
Traditional games such as congkak, batu seremban and hopscotch are also available, with children aged seven and above encouraged to participate.
The exhibition also showcases historical artefacts, including a 1920s gramophone and vinyl records, newspapers published during Merdeka Week in 1957, vintage books, old currency and other historical items.
Several events will be held throughout the exhibition, including a book talk with author Dina Zaman on Aug 27, a Merdeka Dialogue on Globalisation and National Sovereignty on Sept 2, Pencil Colouring and Community Preservation Workshops on Sept 5 and 12, and a Young Malaysians Financial Literacy Workshop on Sept 19.
PLF said the exhibition aimed to provide visitors with an opportunity to connect with Malaysia’s past while reflecting on the enduring values of independence, unity, resilience and national responsibility.
Guided tours can be arranged for group visits by schools, universities, companies and government institutions, with special arrangements available for large groups upon prior request.
For further information, visitors can contact the PLF librarians at 03-8858 8961 or 03-8858 8940, email library@perdana.org.my or visit www.perdana.org.my.
— Bernama
