The National Monument (Tugu Negara) is made in remembrance of the fallen ‘soldiers’ during the fight for freedom to independence in Malaysia. It represents the fallen soldiers during the 2nd World War, when Japan occupied this part of Southeastern Asia (next to that also the repelling of communism is often mentioned).
The monument is one of the largest bronze statues in the world, it is 15,5 meters of height, built in 1966 and designed by architect Felix de Weldon (has designed amongst others the famous Iwo Jima monument). The statue represents the general freedom in Malaysia; the national anthem (anthem of freedom) is typically associated with this. The statue consists of 7 soldiers carrying the Malaysian flag. Each of the warriors represents one of the seven qualities of leadership: command, unity, strength, wariness, suffering, courage and sacrifice