Sarawak State Assembly Election Poster War

Sarawak 10th State Assembly election is just around the corner. I manage to made a run back home to see the poster war which had begun soon after the candidates nomination day.

In my area, it is almost a straight fight between the BN and DAP. Hence, majority of the posters and banners are pretty much centre between those two competing parties.

I would say DAP had came out the best tag line and even the cute hornbill mascot (named "Ubah") for the coming election.

I have not seen DAP erected their large "rocket" for a very long time already. I remember last see this iconic symbol when I was 12 years old. The structure was mainly made of empty fuel drums.

I have a dream for my beloved Sarawak, which is for Sarawak to become an independent country on its own right. This land had been controlled by a single tyrant for far too long at the expense of its people and had been relegated by the Federal Government of Malaysia ever since it became equal partner to form Malaysia back in 1963.

I will definitely be back during the election day to vote as a free man and I hope all the Sarawakians here will do the same and make the right choice for the sake of our future generation.

National Monument

The idea of construction of National Monument was mooted by the then Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman in 1963 to commemorate the warriors who died defending the sovereign of the country.

An area measuring 48, 562 square metres facing the Lake Gardens was set aside for the construction. The monument complex encompasses five main components, the National Monument, fountains, pavilion, a war memorial and the surrounding gardens.

The monument embodying 7 bronze statues also represents the triumph of the forces democracy over the force of evil.

The 7 men from the Malaysian Security Forces symbolizing the seven qualities of leadership, unity, strength, vigilance, suffering, courage and sacrifice.

The monument was designed by an American sculptor, Felix De Weldon and was completed in 1966. It was unveiled on 8th February of the same year and from then on a ceremony to commemorate the passing of the warriors is held here annually.

The pavilion itself also have something to offer for the visitors. At its ceiling, are the plaques where almost all the insignia of the armed forces around the world.

Traders also use a spot within the pavilion to sell portraits.

Prior to the construction of the present National Monument, another monument was erected near the old KL Railway Station after World War I to commemorate the warriors who died during the war.

The names of warriors who died during World War II were added onto the monument until it was replaced by the present National Monument.

The National Monument complex also offers a breathtaking view of Kuala Lumpur city and a clear view of the adjacent Parliament building.

ASEAN Sculpture Garden

ASEAN Sculpture Garden is a beautiful garden along Parlimen Road. I reached this garden after 15 minutes walk from the Masjid Jamek LRT station. Everyone should able to spot this garden while en route to the Parliament building or the National Monument.

This uniquely landscaped garden is home to the large collection of prize winning sculptures which are crafted in wood, iron, marble and bamboo.

The exhibits are all skilfully crafted end products of the ASEAN region's best artists.

The "Growth" is a twenty slabs arranging in a low profile to the 'Tumpal' "Shape Pointing" upwards which symbolize the dynamic growth of the ASEAN region during the first 20 years. The sculpture was designed by a Malaysian artist called Syed Ahmad Jamal.

This stainless steel sculpture was designed by a Thai artist, Itthi Khongkhakul. It was given the title "Progress". The concept of using stainless steel is because it is an industrial material which signify the industrial progress of ASEAN. Stainless steel pipes, despite their limitations, can be handled in a creative manner and made to look beautiful.

The six sculptures which are position in a circle is a work of art by a Singaporean artist, Han Sai Por. Made from Malaysian marble, the 6 sculptures symbolize the progress in growth, unity, peace and harmony of ASEAN.

This structure is designed by Jerusalino V. Araos, an artist from Philippines. It was named "Barong-barong" and is a modern interpretation of old type architecture existing in the whole of ASEAN region. It is made stainless steel and glass.

The garden is located adjacent to the National Monument but somehow the garden does not receive much attention from visitors who had visited the National Monument.

Jamek Mosque

Jamek Mosque which was built in 1909 remains as the oldest mosque in the KL city.

The mosque rests at the meeting point between the Klang and Gombak rivers, the very place of the historical birthplace of Kuala Lumpur. The area is also one of the very first places where early settlers built their homes.

Inspired by the Mogul architecture from northern India, this mosque was the city's main mosque until the opening of the adjacent National Mosque in 1965.

Still open to the public, today the mosque stands as a reminder of the very beginnings of Kuala Lumpur.

The visiting hours are from Monday to Sunday (0830-1230, 1430-1600). On Friday, visiting hour is only from 1500-1600. Visitor must dressed appropriately according to the Islamic requirements or being deny entry to the mosque.