US funds RM1.1m restoration of Tugu Negara ahead of 70th independence anniversary
THE United States will provide RM1.1 million to fund the restoration of Tugu Negara ahead of Malaysia’s 70th independence anniversary next year, reinforcing Washington’s commitment to preserving the country’s national heritage and strengthening bilat...
The US has allocated RM1.1 million to restore Tugu Negara, Malaysia's national monument, in preparation for the country's 70th independence anniversary next year. This funding, provided through the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, will be administered by Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) and executed by the Malaysian government.
The restoration will address damage from Malaysia's tropical climate and the 1975 bombing, as well as ensure the monument's preservation for future generations. The initiative underscores the strong historical ties between the US and Malaysia, as Tugu Negara was designed by American sculptor Felix de Weldon, who also created the United States Marine Corps War Memorial in Washington DC.
US chargé d'affaires David H Gamble Jr highlighted this connection, stating that the monument's restoration reflects the countries' shared commitment to preserving cultural heritage. The project will provide hands-on training to over 50 Malaysian students and heritage professionals, enhancing local expertise in preservation. The restoration is set to commence next year and be completed by August 31, 2027.
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