To understand a bit about the Malaysian people's history, a trip to Makam Pahlawan, meaning Heroes' Mausoleum, in Kuala Lumpur is essential.

This is the burial ground of Malaysian statesmen, and is located within the grounds of the National Mosque, known as Masjid Negara.

The mausoleum was first built in 1963 alongside the mosque, and was completed in 1973.

Tun Dr Ismail, the deputy prime minister of the country, was the first person to be laid to rest there, in 1973.

Others buried inside the dome include Tun Abdul Razak, prime minister of Malaysia who died in 1976, Tun Hussein Onn, a PM who died in 1990 and Tun Ghafar Baba, a deputy PM who died in 2006.

Some statesmen are buried outside the dome too, including Tan Sri Syed Jaabar Albar and Tun Sardon Jubir.

So to see how Malaysia pays homage to the leaders of its country get out of your Kuala Lumpur hotel and head to Makam Pahlawan, the Heroes' Mausoleum.


21/08/2008