Pesta Gawai

Pesta Gawai Costume

Gawai Dayak is a festival celebrated by Dayaks in Sarawak and West Kalimantan which is officially public holidays on 31 May and 1 June every year in Sarawak, Malaysia. It is both a religious and social occasion.

The word Gawai means a ritual or festival whereas Dayak is a collective name for the native ethnic groups of Sarawak and neighboring Indonesian Kalimantan who are the Iban also known previously as Sea Dayak and the Bidayuh people also known as Land Dayak and the Orang Ulu (inclusive of Kayans, Kenyahs, Lun Bawangs, etc.). Thus, Gawai Dayak literally means "Dayak Festival".

The Dayaks are the indigenous people of Borneo. Dayak is a generic term for over 200 riverine and hill-dwelling ethnic subgroups which are located principally in the interior of Borneo. They have their own dialect, customs, laws, territory and culture, although common distinguishing traits are readily identifiable. Dayak languages are categorized as part of the Austronesian languages in Asia. The Dayaks were animist and paganistic in belief; however most converted to Christianity recently. Estimates for the Dayak population range from 2 to 4 million.

The idea for Gawai Dayak started war back in 1957 in a radio forum held by Tan Kingsley and Owen Liang, a radio programme organiser. This generated a lot of interest among the Dayak community. Up till 1962, the British colonial government refused to recognize the Dayak Day but instead called it the Sarawak Day. The first Gawai was hosted by Datuk Michael Buma, a Betong native, at his house at Siol Kandis, Kuching on June 1, 1963, before it was officially gazetted on 25 September 1964 as a public holiday in place of Sarawak Day after the formation of the Federation of Malaysia. It was first celebrated on 1 June 1965 and became a symbol of unity, aspiration and hope for the Dayak community. Today, it is an integral part of the Dayak social life. It is a thanksgiving day marking a bountiful harvest and a time to plan for the new farming season or other endeavors ahead.

Dayak would visit their friends and relatives on this day. Such visit is more commonly known as "ngabang" in the Iban language. Those too far away to visit would receive greeting cards or wishing gawai greetings via radio broadcasting in this modern time. If there is a formal invitation to visit, the guest welcoming (ngalu pengabang) procession will be performed by the inviting longhouse.

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Stadium Merdeka

The Historical Stadium Merdeka

Stadium Merdeka

 Stadium Merdeka was built in time for the nation’s declaration of independence in 1957. Before Stadium Bukit Jalil took over national duties, Stadium Merdeka was the country’s premier venue for many international sporting events and concerts.

Muhammad Ali fought at Stadium Merdeka in 1975 and Michael Jackson moonwalked for two nights in 1996. With the newly-crowned National Stadium getting all the attention, the historic landmark ended up languishing on death row. Good sense finally prevailed and the old stadium was pardoned in 2007 when restoration (instead of demolition) was commissioned. With the renovation, the additional tiers will be removed and seating capacity revert to its original 20,000 from 45,000.

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Kuala Lumpur Art Gallery

The Kuala Lumpur Art Gallery Hall

The Kuala Lumpur Art Gallery Front

Curator at the Art Gallery

The KL Art Gallery

Head to the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery to learn about the history of Kuala Lumpur. Its "Memories of Kuala Lumpur" section tells the story of the city through photos and prints.
It is located in Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square) where other historical sites within walking distance include the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, St Mary's Cathedral and Royal Selangor Club.
The Kuala Lumpur City Gallery building was built in 1899 during the British Colonial administration as a printing office to house large printing press machines. The exterior façade was designed based on neo-Renaissance principles, with exposed bricks, plastered columns, and large semi-circular windows decorated with keystones; while the interior had a structural support system of cast iron columns and trusses. In the late 1970s, the building was converted to the Metropolitan Postal Security Office and later into the Kuala Lumpur Memorial Library, the first public library in Kuala Lumpur. The library acted as a research centre for anything related to Kuala Lumpur - its history, administration and development. There are also exhibitions on objects and artifacts connected to the heritage of the city.
The Kuala Lumpur City Gallery is currently managed by ARCH which promotes collectibles and gifts made of wood veneer. Its range of made-in-Malaysia products captures the uniqueness of some of the world's greatest landmarks in photo frames, magnets, bookmarks, notebooks and miniature models.

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The National Monument

The First Monument -  Cenotaph.

Consider to be the 1st Monument to Remember of those fallen heroes in Malaya during the British Occupation .The Cenotaph is a vertical column of 10 meters in height, is the 1st Monument built by the British  administration in 1921 to commemorate the fallen heroes during The Wo rld War  1. Originally located  at Jalan Tugu - or so called Victory Avenue those day but now known as Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin near the old railway station.

The Cenotaph.

In 1961, the Cenotaph was dissemble and reassemble at the present site when the National Warrior Monument was built. However, its 10 sq meters flat base remains there.The Cenotaph, is being centralized  at the Memorial Park, where the dates of the 2nd World War 2 and the Emergency were added. Today the concrete column has the following record the dates of great tragedies of war.

1. First World War  1914 - 1918
2. Second World War  1939- 1943
3. Emergency 1948-1960

 On the monument, it is written “To Our Glorious Dead with dates of the First World War (1914-1918), Second World War (1939-1945) and the Emergency (1948-1960).

The National Monument - Tugu Negara

How this monument come into existing is much due to our 1st Prime Minister Almarhum Tunku Abdul Rahman who visited Washington in 1960. He was so captivated by the Iwo Jima Monument  which was  designed by Felix de Weldon as Austrian by origin an American citizen.
So, our National Monument or Tugu Negara is also designed by Felix de Weldon. Than on the 31st July 1961, the National Monument Fund was launched to raise revenue for the construction of this monument. A total of 1.5 million Malayan Dollar was collected.The most foremost contribution is from the Yang Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan - Almarhum Tuanku Munawir ibni Almarhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman (Our 1st Yang di Pertuan Agong) he donated a piece of prime land where formally the Transit Palace or Istana Hinggap for the Negeri Sembilan Royal family. The Istana Hinggap is demolished to make way for the siting of the National Monument built by the people of Malaya.
It took about 5 years to built and open for visitors on 8th  February 1966. The National Monument is the world's largest, freestanding bronze sculptures. The total area of this Memorial Park is 48,562 sq.meters to commemorate the country's gratitude and respect to the fallen heroes.

Not to forget there are five principal factor take into consideration in building this Memorial Park:

• The Monument itself
• A long reflecting pool with fountain
• A Cresent shape pavillion
• The Cenotaph - War Memorial column
• The Ancillary Garden

1. The National Monument stand at 15.54 meters high and is a feature of diorama of 7 bronze human figures of 6m in height atop an oblong base in the center of the reflecting pool. The figurines denotes the scarifies, courage,strength,Suffering,Unity and Vigilance.
2. The unarmed top figurine in the center holds the Jalur Gemilang which means spiritual and leadership values.
3. The Lower down to the left and right of the central figurine are two soldiers, one holding a rifle and bayonet whilst the other arm with machine gun. These two figurines signify patriotism and victory.
4. And, the center between them are two soldiers , one wounded and the other giviing aid and comfort, thus symbolizing scarifies and brotherly love.
5. Below them are two fallen enemies of the state.

The monument also symbolize the triumph of the forces of freedom-democracy and the forces of evil.

However on 26th August 1975, the monument undergo an extension with further renovation due to an explosion set off by communist terrorists.
Due to that incident, Malaysian  from all walk of life, with their generosity contribute  the fund set up to restore the damages. A total of RM1,325,092 was raised for the restoration. Student from the Faculty of Art & Design from ITM likes Mufti Jantan, Zulkifli Maulana,Hamid Hassan and their  lecturer Christopher Carny with the help of master craftsmen from Trengganu begin to conduct the restoration work. 
The cost to repair and restore the monument is RM200,000 and a security fencing was built around the perimeter of Memorial which cost another RM400,000. The Memorial complex was declared as a protected area between sunset until dawn.The balance of the fund collected  went to the Heroes Welfare Fund or Tabung Kebajikan Pahlawan.
In mid 1977 The National Monument is again open for tourist and local. The most significant affair or ceremony in remembrance of fallen heroes- on the 31st July of the year coinciding with the Warrior Day, The King,Prime Minister,The Military and The Police heads will lay wreaths in remembrance of the fallen heroes.

THE CENTRAL MARKET

The Central Market - Kuala Lumpur

The Centre for Malaysian Culture, Heritage, Art & CraftCentral Market Kuala Lumpur began life as a wet market in 1888; built by Yap Ah Loy, the city’sChinese Kapitan. It served as a prominent landmark in colonial and modern-day Kuala Lumpur. When it was relocated in the 1980s, the Malaysian Heritage Society successfully petitioned against the demolition of the building, and it was subsequently declared a centre for Malaysian arts, culture and handicraft.

In 2004, the Kha Seng Group acquired this iconic building. Since its takeover, Central Market Kuala Lumpur and its accompanying Annexe have been transformed into an award-winning tourist attraction and shopping destination, while preserving the significance in showcasing the nation’s arts, culture and heritage.

The company invested RM10 million in extensive upgrading work without compromising the market’s unique charm and character. Many positive changes were introduced including the initiation of zoned shopping areas and the upgrading of stalls and kiosks; this resulted in over 100,000 square feet of retail space.

The outdoor stage provides a venue for regular showcase of multi-cultural performances and celebrations.

Strategically located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and close to the public transportation hub, Central Market Kuala Lumpur is linked to major destinations and hotels. It is also located near the KL Sentral interchange station which provides fast and convenient connections to most parts of Kuala Lumpur as well as the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Central Market Kuala Lumpur is today a major attraction for both tourists and Malaysians alike.

Central Market Annexe
 

Central Market Annexe - Art Gallery, Food & Drink Outlets

 The Central Market Annexe situated behind Central Market Kuala Lumpur houses several art galleries that serve to nurture a vital and progressive arts culture in Malaysia. It provides an avenue for people from all walks of life to congregate and experience the local arts scene. The various galleries collectively form a colourful platform for artists and audiences to come together in the shared adventure of art.

Kasturi Walk

 

Entrance of Kasturi Walk @ Central Market KL

The Street Walk of Kasturi

 In affirming its position as a world-class tourist destination, the Kasturi Walk at Central Market Kuala Lumpur opened in 2011. This outdoor and covered pedestrianised lane running alongside the main building is lined with kiosks and stalls, adding a vibrant al fresco ambience to the Central Market Kuala Lumpur shopping experience.

The Yang Di Pertuan Agong

The Yang Di Pertuan Agong

New King crowned at the new palace.

The Flag of The Supreme Head of Malaysia

For the first time in Malaysia's modern history, the coronation of the new Yang di-Pertuan Agong will take place at the majestic new Istana Negara in Jalan Duta.

Come April 11, the sprawling white palace with 22 yellow domes will see the coronation of Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah of Kedah as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong in a grand ceremony steeped in royal Malay custom.

In retrospect, seven of the 13 Yang di-Pertuan Agong to date were in KUALA LUMPUR  installed at the old Istana Negara in Jalan Istana, which was a refurbished old mansion belonging to Chinese millionaire Chan Wing.

The new Istana Negara in Jalan Duta has been designed to exude a regal image representing the constitutional monarchy that is one of the pillars of the nation.

STEEPED IN TRADITION

The coronation ceremony takes place once every five years, and the upcoming ceremony is expected to be held at the Balairong Seri hall within the Istana Negara.

On the day of the event, the Balairong Seri will be a focal point not only for Malaysians but also for the whole world in its portrayal of a unique constitutional monarchy system that is not practiced anywhere else in the world.

Elaborating on the grand Balairong Seri, AR Datuk (Dr) Nik Mohamed Mahmood, Principal Director of Kumpulan Senireka Sdn Bhd (KSSB)-the company that designed the Istana Negara-pointed out that in serving its purpose, the Balairong Seri along with the Banquet Hall and the Surau in the Official Wing could accommodate an audience of 1,000 people.

Apart from these three areas, the Dewan Seri Maharaja in the main lobby and a huge concourse will be also used during the coronation ceremony. Also included in the event is the Throne Room (Bilik Singgahsana).

THE ARCHITECTURE

According to Nik Mohamed, the new Istana Negara's architecture is a fusion of traditional Malay and Islamic architecture.

Built on 104 hectares (241.3 acres) of land, the main structure of the Istana Negara faces the direction of Makkah and is divided into different levels and wings based on the royal institution's functions.

The main floor is divided into the Official Wing and the Royal Wing. The lower floor houses the administrative office, kitchen, store and other support areas.

Unlike the old palace, which only had two domes, the new one boasts 22 domes with the main one reaching 60 meters high, a reflection of the supremacy of the Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong within the nation and in society.

The design of the gateway at the main entrance from Jalan Duta was intended to exude the prestige enjoyed by the presiding head of state for Malaysia.

The gates are covered in floral designs of the hibiscus-the country's national flower-and in Islamic motifs.

THREE ENTRY POINTS

There are in fact three entrances to the Istana Negara with the main one from Jalan Duta being reserved for Their Majesties, Malay rulers and their consorts, governors and the visiting heads of states and the heads of government.

This main entrance is where the palace guards from the first Malay Regiment and the horse-mounted guards are stationed.

The second entrance at Jalan Changkat Semantan is used by royal guests, and the third entrance from Jalan Sri Hartamas, Mont Kiara, is the route for commoners seeking an audience with His Majesty or those who wish to meet Istana Negara's administration or to attend events at Istana Negara.

A TOUGH JOB WELL DONE

Designing the Istana Negara was no ordinary task, especially when the palace building had to stand out to reflect the exalted position and role of the head of state.

Nik Mohamed noted that the designers of the palace are grateful for the advice provided by Raja Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail, who was the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, when work on the new palace began.

Although Nik Mohamed had a hand in designing the Istana Selangor in Kuala Lumpur and Istana Darul Ehsan in Putrajaya, he still considers the Istana Negara to be a Herculean undertaking.

-- BERNAMA


 

The Constituitional Monarchy System

The Constituitional Monarchy System  

The Royal Headgear " Dendam Tak Sudah"

The New Istana Negara - Jalan Duta

The Constitutional Monarchy System

What most of us didn't know, or just refuse to accept the fact that,the real movers towards the independence of Malaya are not only the effort of so called political parties, academician,religious group and any organizations during the colonial era. The Royal house of all the Sultans of the states in Malaya at that time pursue the common objective for an independence. We must not forget our founding father of Independence Almarhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman and the late Tun Abdul Razak who is a member of Pahang royalty, where is father Dato Hussein -The Orang Kaya Dato Shahbandar so with the Royal Sultanate of Johor, Royal Sultanate of Perak, Yang Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan and all the other Sultanate within the Peninsula Malaya. Upon the successful achievement of independence from the British Colonialism a new constitution with regards to the Royal Household over the land. Thus the Federal Constitution elaborately defined and outlined the function,power and purview with regard to the same. A constitutional monarchy system at of the state and federation.

Malaysia has a unique constitutional monarchy system whereby the King, who is also Ruler of one of the states that make up Malaysia, serves for a fixed period of 5 years before being replaced by a Sultan from another of the states. The King is elected by the Conference of Rulers and in practice the Monarchy has rotated in turn between each of the 9 states with Sultans.

These states are (in order) Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Perlis, Terengganu, Kedah, Kelantan, Pahang, Johor and Perak.

The current King is Almu'tasimu Billahi Muhibbuddin Tuanku Alhaj Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah, GCB KStJ, the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, as well as the 27th and current Sultan of Kedah.

The remaining 4 of Malaysia's 13 states (Sarawak, Sabah, Melaka and Penang do not have Sultans - they have Governors instead).

The King, as Supreme Head of State, has roles and functions in matters relating to legislation, judiciary, military, religion, diplomacy and pardoning.

Royal Etiquette and Protocol

If you are ever fortunate enough to be invited to the Palace for dinner you will need to brush up on your etiquette. I can recommend a fascinating official website on the Malaysian Monarchy which will tell you everything you need to know. For example, it tells us that at the dinner table we should "Avoid yawning or belching loudly". I should think so too!

And if you are ever hosting a function for VVIPs you will need to know the Federal Order of Precedence to avoid offending anybody. The same website informs us that naturally the King and Queen occupy the number 1 and 2 positions in the order of precedence. The Prime Minister only comes in at number 6. When planning your seating arrangements you might also need to know for example that the Governor of the Central Bank (No.40) takes precedence over the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur (No.41).

The Istana Negara (Malay for National Palace; Jawi: ايستان نڬارا) along Jalan Istana was the official residence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (Supreme King) of Malaysia. It stands on a 13 acre (50,000 m²) site, located at a commanding position on the slope of a hill of Bukit Petaling overlooking the Klang River, along Jalan Syed Putra.

It was replaced by a new palace as the official residence of the King in 2011. On 2013 it was converted into Royal Museum.

The Federal Government then converted the residence into the Istana Negara for the newly created sovereign post of Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaya which was about to achieve independence that August as scheduled. Since then it has undergone several renovations and extensions. But the most extensive upgrading was carried out in 1980, as it was the first time that the Installation Ceremony of His Majesty DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong was held at the Istana Negara. Prior to this the Installation Ceremonies were held at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Hall in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur[1] with the first one held in 1957.

After the Istana Negara moved to the new palace at Jalan Duta in December 2011, it was later used for a royal exhibition called Raja Kita, in conjunction with the installation of Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong in 2012. The exhibition started on 15 April 2012 and is later extended on 8 December 2012. Over 314,757 visitors, both local and foreign visited the exhibition between 15 April and 7 December.[2]

From 2013 onwards, the two guards in Malay traditional attire will be stationed at the main gateway of the old Istana Negara to revive the nostalgia and tradition of the Malay Sultanate. Information, Communications and Culture Minister Rais Yatim said the practice will help retain the old palace as a must-visit tourist destination.[2] Several rooms and halls at the old Istana Negara will be open to visitors to learn of their use to the previous 13 Yang di-Pertuan Agong who lived in the palace. An inventory would be drawn up of the collections in the palace in the effort to conserve them. Rais Yatim requested the Royal Malaysia Police and the Department of Museums to collaborate in managing the collections.[2]

Palace areas and use

Malaysian coat of arms as part of the Royal Insignia on the fence of the palace.

Compound

The building is nestled within a 11.34-hectare compound with a variety of plants and flowers, swimming pool and indoor badminton hall. As the palace grounds are not opened to members of the public or tourists, the Main Palace Entrance is a favourite picture spot for tourists.

The whole area is fenced up and the Royal Insignia of His Majesty is placed on each steel bar between two pillars of the fence. At the front of the Istana Negara, there is the main entrance which resembles an arch. On each side of the arch, are two guard posts to shelter two members of the cavalry in their full dress uniform similar to the ones at Buckingham Palace, London. From 2013 onwards, the full dress uniform will be in Malay traditional attire as it was during the Malay Sultanate era.

In the grounds of the palace is a guard house for the members of the Royal Malay Regiment, one of the two Household Division units in the Malaysian Armed Forces (the other one is the Malaysian Royal Armoured Corps Mounted Ceremonial Squadron). There is also a six hole golf course, tennis courts and a lake in the far end of the grounds.

The driveway, lined with cypresses and casuarinas, leads to two entrances - an entrance to the West Wing and the other to the East Wing.

East Wing

Balairong Seri is the throne room of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. It is located in the East Wing and only used for official and customary functions. These include ceremonial occasions of taking the royal pledge, installation ceremony of a new elected King and the appointment of a new prime minister and the federal government which included investiture ceremonies and the taking of oaths by the government ministers and state governors. This is also where the presentation and acceptance of foreign diplomatic appointments are held. It sometimes serves as a banquet hall.

The second hall on the first floor is the Dewan Mengadap where the King receives honoured guests such as Head of States and foreign dignitaries. This hall doubles as a resting place of Sultans and Governors during the Conference of Rulers. The other rooms are Bilik Duta, Bilik Permaisuri and Bilik Menteri. Bilik Duta is where the King grants audience to the Prime Minister and also where honoured guests are received. The Queen receives her guests at the Bilik Permaisuri while the Bilik Menteri is the rest room for guests.

http://www.nst.com.my/streets/central/beyond-the-palace-gates-1.97756#ixzz2ciKbBFoz

Beyond the palace gates - Central - New Straits Times