'Gapai' brings Merdeka spirit to life through generations

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 - Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) is set to premiere its first short film, Gapai, to commemorate Merdeka Month. Commissioned by its subsidiary, PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd (PNBMV), this three-minute film pays tribute to Malaysia's founding father, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj. During an early screening, PNBMV CEO Datuk Izham Ibrahim shared that the inspiration behind Gapai stemmed from Tunku Abdul Rahman's iconic raised-hand proclamation in 1957, a gesture that echoes the spirit of the revered word Gapai - the gesture of reaching out.

Produced in collaboration with local creative agencies M&C Saatchi Karsa Malaysia, Gapai takes the audience on a journey through the lives of ordinary Malaysians, highlighting the enduring spirit of Merdeka in the present day. The story ends at Merdeka 118 precinct, home to Menara Merdeka Maybank, Stadium Merdeka, and the newly opened Merdeka Textile Museum, which together represent Malaysia's past and future aspirations.

PNBMV CEO Izham Ibrahim emphasized that the initiative aims to develop a global precinct anchored on Malaysian heritage, creating commercial spaces, museums, and preserving history. As part of the Merdeka Month celebrations, the precinct is collaborating with local cultural and social enterprise LOCCO to host three days of festivities from Aug 29 to 31 at Stadium Merdeka and Merdeka Boulevard.

The programme includes a community bazaar, heritage activities, a Merdeka flashmob, and the WarisanKL Explorace, providing visitors with an engaging experience across the precinct. Visitors can explore new attractions at the precinct, including Look at 118, a ground-level viewing deck with a view of Malaysia's tallest tower, and Makan Makan Peranakan by the Serai Group.

The Merdeka Textile Museum (MTM), showcasing the rich heritage of Malay World textiles, will be open throughout the Merdeka weekend with free admission from Aug 22 to Sept 30. Izham Ibrahim stressed that the Merdeka 118 precinct stands on the very ground where Malaysia's independence was declared and that each visit should serve as a reminder of the nation's journey from independence to present-day progress.

The precinct continues to welcome new attractions, including the opening of 118 Mall and The View at 118, Southeast Asia's highest observation deck, in the coming months. Upon its exclusive premiere, Gapai will be released on Aug 25 across Merdeka 118's official social media channels.