MP Says Tugu Negara Soldiers’ Pointed Noses & ‘Eurocentic’ Features Don’t Reflect M’sians

By Lara Kramer  •  10 Nov 2025 in News

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An opposition MP has questioned whether the soldiers represented at Malaysia’s iconic Tugu Negara monument truly reflect the appearance of local heroes, suggesting their facial features look more European than Malaysian.

During the Budget 2026 committee-stage debate in Dewan Rakyat on 6 November, Kalam Salan (PN–Sabak Bernam) pointed out that the soldier holding the Jalur Gemilang seems “too European,” particularly due to his sharp, pointed nose.

He asked why a monument meant to honour Malaysia’s independence fighters would depict features that “don’t resemble Malaysians.”

Kalam argued that since the statue was unveiled in 1966, it could give the impression of celebrating colonial figures rather than local heroes. “Why can’t the features be more Asian, more Malaysian? Malaysians don’t have noses that pointed. Why not update the statue to truly reflect our heroes?”

He added that redesigning the monument could boost national pride and make it easier for future generations to connect with the figures it honours.

What do you think—should Tugu Negara be updated to better reflect Malaysian faces, or should it remain as it is?

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