PEOPLE LIBRARY RETURNS TO TAMAN TUGU, HONOURING NATIONAL HEROES ON HARI PAHLAWAN 2025!

KUALA LUMPUR – Taman Tugu proudly hosted the third edition of its People Library 2025: Air, Land & Sea Battlefields – Untold Stories recently, a powerful gathering that paid tribute to Malaysia's national heroes in conjunction with Hari Pahlawan 2025. 

This flagship community initiative, now in its seventh year, brought together over 300 attendees to hear living stories of courage, camaraderie, and sacrifice from distinguished veterans.

First conceived in 2019, the People Library has grown into a cornerstone initiative by Taman Tugu Malaysia under Amanah Warisan Negara (AWAN). 

The program vividly showcases AWAN's unwavering commitment to sustainability, not merely in preserving natural heritage, but also in meticulously cultivating a dynamic archive of invaluable stories and timeless values. 

The program skillfully blends storytelling, culture, and nature, creating a meaningful public space for reflection and connection.

This special 2025 edition of People Library was a collaborative triumph, co-organised by Taman Tugu and the Malaysia Military History Tourism Association (MMHTA), with the welcome participation of Warisan Wira, whose presence adds vibrant energy and heartfelt tribute to the celebration. 

Strong support also came from the Department of Veterans Affairs (JHEV), Persatuan Veteran ATM (PVATM), Angkatan Tentera Malaysia, Royal Military College (RMC), and Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM).

The day’s events commenced with the Beret Unity Walk, organised by Warisan Wira, which saw students from RMC and UPNM, military families, veterans, and the general public traverse the scenic Taman Tugu Nursery Trail. Attendees were also treated to a stirring war dance performance by the students.

At the core of the programme was the People Library storytelling session, where Malaysia’s distinguished veterans shared their personal experiences from their time in service. 

    DARI Kiri: Mohd Kamal Omar, Danyal Balagopal, Goh Seng Toh dan Paul Kiong.

Brigadier General Datuk Goh Seng Toh (Rtd) recounted "Helicopter Operations in Hostile Environment," while Superintendent Datuk Paul Kiong (Rtd) spoke of "My Experiences During the War of the 2nd Insurgency, 1968–1989". 

Colonel Mohd Kamal Omar (Rtd) shared "UN Mission in Iraq – The Untold Story," while Laksda. Dato' Pahlawan Danyal Balagopal (Rtd) detailed "The Navy’s Role in the Fight Against Communist Terrorists." 

These national heroes offered the public an unfiltered glimpse into the experiences of those who have bravely defended Malaysia’s sovereignty.

Dato' Mohamed Nasri Sallehuddin, Chairman of Taman Tugu Development Sdn Bhd, emphasized the park’s broader role. 

He stated that since its inception in 2019, People Library has been part of Taman Tugu’s community pillar, highlighting that “Taman Tugu is more than just a park, it is a living classroom where nature and heritage converge, empowering Malaysians to connect with the voices of our national heroes. Through this platform, the invaluable stories of sacrifice and service are preserved and shared with future generations." 

Zainul Tan Sri Zain Hashim, Pro Tem Committee, Warisan Wira, shared his organization’s mission:

"We are honoured to join the People Library this year. Warisan Wira’s mission goes beyond honouring the past — we aim to provide mentorship to the younger generation through real-life stories of leadership, resilience, and integrity. This platform allows future leaders to be inspired by those who came before them." 

Major Jamaluddin Hasan (Rtd), Chairman of MMHTA, underscored the event’s profound purpose, explaining, "This People Library event is not about glorifying war. It’s about preserving peace by remembering the price that was paid for it. It’s about reminding Malaysians that our freedom was earned and must be safeguarded.”

The celebration concluded on a meaningful note with a ceremonial cake-cutting, a poignant gesture in honour of Hari Pahlawan, followed by a unifying sing-along session, uniting veterans, their families, and guests in a shared moment of profound gratitude and patriotic pride. 

The impressive turnout of over 300 attendees powerfully demonstrated the strong public support and appreciation for the nation’s heroes.

For more information, visit: www.tamantugu.my. 

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