From left: KLAF Royal Patron Y.A.M. Tengku Datin Paduka Setia Zatashah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) president Ar. Ezumi Harzani Ismail, Mayor of Kuala Lumpur Tan Sri Hj. Mohd Amin Nordin Abd. Aziz, Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) president, Ar. Zairul Azidin Badri, and ‘The Merdeka Interviews’ editors Ang Chee Cheong and Dr. Lai Chee Kien.
PETALING JAYA: Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) launched The Merdeka Interviews Book at the Kuala Lumpur Tourism Bureau yesterday.
About The Merdeka Interviews book
- The book is co-authored by architectural historian Dr. Lai Chee Kien and KLAF2018 director Ar. Ang Chee Cheong.
- The book contains 17 interviews conducted over a decade with key architects, engineers and artists of major architectural projects in Malaysia.
- The book is a tribute to the women and men who built Malaya.
- The book revolves around major architectural projects such as University of Malaya, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, Stadium Negara, Muzium Negara, Parliament House, Masjid Negara and Subang Airport.
The event was launched by KLAF2018 Royal Patron YAM Tengku Zatashah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
“I am proud to see that the book recognises the unsung heroes of Malaysia’s nation-building story such as the lai sui muis or Kongsi Women, who toiled in the muddy fields to bring us iconic buildings,” said Tengku Zatashah during the event.
“For far too long, ordinary women were unheralded and absent in our historical records. The Merdeka Interviews is an ode to our nation and a fitting tribute and recognition to these women and other contributors to the landscape of Kuala Lumpur and surrounding areas,” she added.
According to Ang Chee Cheong, “The book is more focused on the people who contributed to the mega projects because their contributions should be highlighted and appreciated.”
The launch is in conjunction with Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival 2018 (KLAF2018) which is set to be held from June 28 to August 26.
Also present were KL mayor Tan Sri Mohd Amin Nordin Abdul Aziz, Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) president Ar. Zairul Azidin Badri, Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) national president Richard Kirk and Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) president Ar.Ezumi Harzani.
