Located on Jalan Dato Onn, this is one of the many buildings under the National Archives, that preserves the original artefacts, records, and treasured items from Malaysia’s rich history.
The memorial, officially opened in 1994 by then prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, is a living tribute to Tunku Abdul Rahman, fondly known as the “Father of Independence.”
Start your visit at Tunku’s residence where he lived from 1956 to 1970. The house predates Tunku’s legacy in the country, having served as the residence of British officials during their governance in 1880.
When Tunku Abdul Rahman was appointed Malaya’s first Chief Minister, he made this residence his home. Highlights include the beautifully preserved Cairo Room, named after the white chairs Tunku purchased in Cairo following the signing of the Treaty of London in February 1956.
There are also various significant rooms where dignitaries once stayed, along with artefacts like a gong that Tunku regularly used when calling his staff to duty.
Outdoor exhibits feature the iconic Merdeka Car, a red Vintage Nash Rambler Custom Convertible 1951 and a 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood that Tunku once used.
Next, step into Tunku’s old office building, originally built in 1956 and reconstructed at the site of the memorial. Made entirely of wood, it has been carefully restored – complete with Tunku’s original desk, chair, and various historical treasures.
You can even find an original letter handwritten by Tunku himself. From the hanging lights to the switchboard and the dial phone, everything remains just as it was back in the day.
In the same exhibition hall, you’ll find priceless relics like the original wooden table used by members of Malaysia’s first Cabinet, along with personal belongings and the official files from Tunku’s premiership.
Visitors also get a glimpse into Tunku’s life beyond politics through displays of his personal items, such as his prized golf clubs.
The house features a spacious outdoor patio, now home to a striking stone structure of Tunku in his iconic Merdeka pose, accompanied by a timeline of his achievements from 1960 until his passing in 1990.
Another section of the memorial highlights Malaysia’s journey to independence, featuring the iconic Merdeka Table Tunku sat at to sign the document that marked the birth of the Federation of Malaya at Dataran Merdeka on Aug 31, 1957.
One standout item displayed from Merdeka history is the proposed flag design that eventually became the Federation flag.
Nearby is the Memorial Negarawan, which honours the seven statesmen from across Malaysia who made significant, yet lesser-known contributions to the nation. Many of these figures are celebrated as freedom fighters.
From their early lives to political rise, achievements, and legacies, it’s a one-stop historical lesson.
One notable figure at the memorial is Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, Malaysia’s second deputy prime minister. Fun fact: he played a key role in establishing the Royal Malaysia Police, and was responsible for declaring May 1 Labour Day, and a national public holiday.
Other notable figures at the memorial include Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Tun VT Sambanthan, Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu, and more.
Interestingly, the Memorial Negarawan was once the Prime Minister’s Department Complex. The original office and Cabinet Meeting Room remain, with Mahathir, who chaired over 1,000 Cabinet meetings, presiding over the final one here on June 16, 1999, before the office and room were relocated to Putrajaya.
The Tun Hussein Onn Memorial, dedicated to Malaysia’s third prime minister, stands between these two memorials and is definitely worth checking out as well.
With admission being free, there’s nothing to stop you from becoming a Malaysian history expert by visiting these memorials.
Memorial Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra/Memorial Negarawan
Jalan Dato Onn
Kuala Lumpur
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Operation hours:
9am-5pm: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday
9am-12pm;3pm-5pm: Friday
Closed on Monday
Admission: Free
Check out this online virtual tour of the memorials.