The original monument was a cenotaph erected by the British administration but was later moved to the current site to give way to a construction of a flyover at the Parliament roundabout. The monument was later replaced with the current Tugu Negara in 1964 by the first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman with the help of famous sculptor Felix de Weldon. Tunku was inspired by his visit to the USMC War Memorial in the United States in 1960. With the help of Felix, the new sculpture was erected in 1964. It was officially opened by the then Yang di-Pertuan Agong, on the 8th February 1966 as a memorial park dedicated to the 11,000 people who died during the Malayan Emergency period which lasted for 12 years between 1948 to 1960.

The granite base of the monument bears the old coat-of-arms of Malaysia with inscriptions in English and Malay in Jawi script, “Dedicated to the heroic fighters in the cause of peace and freedom, May the blessing of Allah be upon them”. The monument resembles a group of soldier holding the national flag aloft. Each of the bronze figures symbolizes leadership, suffering, unity, vigilance, strength, courage and sacrifice.

How to go to the Tugu Negara: Travellers can walk from Sentral Station or walk from Pasar Seni LRT Station which is located 15 minutes away. Alternatively, travellers can take the komuter and stop at the Kuala Lumpur station located 12 minutes away.

Address:
Tugu Negara‎
Jalan Kebun Bunga
Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur