An opposition MP has questioned whether the soldiers depicted in Malaysia’s iconic Tugu Negara truly reflect the look of local heroes, claiming the facial features resemble Europeans more than Malaysians.
Speaking during the committee-stage debate of Budget 2026 in Dewan Rakyat yesterday (Nov 6), Kalam Salan (PN–Sabak Bernam) said the national monument’s main figure, the soldier holding the Jalur Gemilang, appears “too European”, especially with a noticeably pointed nose.
He asked why a monument meant to honour those who fought for Malaysia’s independence would feature physical traits that “don’t look like Malaysians.”
Kalam argued that the statue, unveiled in 1966, gives the impression that colonisers are being glorified instead of local freedom fighters.
Why can’t the features look more Asian, more Malaysian? Malaysians don’t have noses that pointed. So why not alter the statue to reflect who our heroes actually were?”
He added that refreshing the monument’s design could strengthen patriotic sentiment and help future generations better relate to the figures depicted.
