PERDANA LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION PRESENTS MERDEKA EXHIBITION 2026: “INDEPENDENCE – A SHARED STRUGGLE, A SACRED TRUST”

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- In conjunction with National Independence Month, Perdana Leadership Foundation (PLF) proudly presents our third Merdeka Exhibition. This year’s exhibition, themed “Independence – A Shared Struggle, A Sacred Trust,” is being held from 17 August to 30 September 2026, Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Perdana Leadership Foundation, Precinct 8, Putrajaya. Admission is free.

“I would like to congratulate the Perdana Leadership Foundation for the third edition of its Merdeka Exhibition. Malaysians should come and visit the exhibition which focuses on the history of our nation. We are no more that young, newly-independent nation. At 69, we should be a mature and confident nation striving onwards. We are, but we can be more. To move forward we must understand our past, what we were and the paths we had traversed. There are many more roads not taken. Our history should guide us on the paths ahead.” - Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad, the 4th and 7th Prime Minister of Malaysia, and the Honorary President of Perdana Leadership Foundation.

The exhibition invites visitors to reflect on Malaysia’s journey towards independence and nationhood through a collection of scholarly displays and historical artefacts. Through its presentation of pre- and post-Merdeka history, efforts to cement economic sovereignty, and institutions of nationhood, the exhibition seeks to foster a deeper appreciation of the people, events and milestones that shaped the nation.

“Preserving and sharing Malaysia’s leadership history is central to the work of Perdana Leadership Foundation. We believe that understanding our past allows us to appreciate the challenges that shaped our nation, as well as the many achievements of Malaysia since Independence. This year’s theme, ‘Independence – A Shared Struggle, A Sacred Trust,’ reminds us that independence is a continuing journey, shaped not only by the attainment of self-rule but also by the nation’s ongoing efforts to assert its sovereignty, and that this responsibility must be carried forward by every generation. We warmly invite all Malaysians, particularly students and educators, to visit the exhibition, explore the stories, view the artefacts, and reflect on what independence and sovereignty mean today.”  — Puan Zarina Abu Bakar, Chief Executive Officer, Perdana Leadership Foundation

Through three zones of carefully curated materials and displays, the exhibition highlights the different dimensions of nation-building and invites visitors to consider how these foundations continue to shape Malaysia today.

Throughout the Merdeka Exhibition, a series of events will be held, including a Book Talk with Dina Zaman, the author of Malayland, on 27th August; a Merdeka Dialogue on Globalisation and National Sovereignty on 2nd September; Pencil Colouring and Community Preservation Workshops on 5th and 12th September; and a Young Malaysians Financial Literacy Workshop on 19th September.  

Beyond the exhibits and events, visitors can also participate in a range of fun, interactive activities designed to inspire patriotism, and creativity, including a voting simulation, stamp-hunt and a newspaper headline contest.

The Perdana Leadership Foundation Merdeka Exhibition 2026 serves as a reminder that independence is a shared responsibility and a sacred trust to be preserved and strengthened for future generations.

Three Thematic Zones

Zone 1: Sovereignty & Democracy explores how independence and democracy established the foundations of a sovereign nation, empowering Malaysians to shape the country’s future through participation, and representation.

Zone 2: Economic Sovereignty highlights Malaysia’s pursuit of economic self-determination to regain ownership of our economy and strengthen the nation’s prosperity.

Zone 3: National Identity & Spirit recounts symbols of nationhood and celebrates Malaysia’s national spirit through sports.

A special feature, “Pioneers of Early Malaysia,” pays tribute to individuals and institutions whose vision, courage, and service contributed to the development of the nation.

Engaging Educational Activities

Beyond the exhibition displays, visitors can participate in a range of educational and interactive activities designed to inspire patriotism, creativity and critical thinking.

Activities include Merdeka stamp-printing, a “Cast Your Vote” simulation, art, and financial literacy sessions, as well as creative contests featuring newspaper headline composition and colouring activities. There is also a traditional games corner where you can refresh your skills at Congkak, Batu Seremban, and even Hopscotch. Children as young as 7 years old can participate and there is no age limit to most of the activities!

These activities are designed to provide visitors, particularly students and younger audiences, with engaging opportunities to learn about Malaysia’s history while developing a deeper appreciation of the values associated with independence and nation-building.

Historical Artefacts

One of the highlights of the exhibition is the opportunity to view a selection of historical artefacts, offering visitors a glimpse into Malaysia’s past. These include a classic 1920s gramophone and classic vinyls, newspapers published during Merdeka Week in 1957, vintage books, old currency, and other historical items.

Through the exhibition, PLF hopes to provide visitors with an opportunity to connect with Malaysia’s past while reflecting on the enduring values of independence, unity, resilience, and national responsibility.

The Merdeka Exhibition 2026 is open to the public and admission is free. Guided tours can be arranged for group visits. PLF welcomes group visits from schools, universities, companies, and government institutions. Special arrangements may be made for large group visits upon prior request. For more information, please contact our Librarians at 03-8858 8961 or 03-8858 8940, email library@perdana.org.my, or visit www.perdana.org.my.

About Perdana Leadership Foundation
www.perdana.org.my

Perdana Leadership Foundation is a non-profit organisation established in January 2003 to document, disseminate, research, and archive materials related to the past Prime Ministers of Malaysia. The Foundation intends to become the premier institution for the study of Malaysia’s Prime Ministers and the central resource centre for research into national stewardship as well as a platform for reflection, debate, and discussion with distinguished figures in Malaysian leadership. Our Honorary President is the fourth and seventh Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad. To date, we have digitised more than 500k materials, half of which are available for free through our website www.perdana.org.my. Membership for our library is offered at an annual fee of RM10 and Library membership is open to Malaysians over the age of 13; members also get to enjoy the library’s physical facilities located in a cosy enclave in Precinct 8, Putrajaya.


SOURCE:  Perdana Leadership Foundation

FOR EXHIBITION AND MEDIA ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Adnan Rizal Hj Haris@Harib (Perdana Library)
Tel: 03 - 8885 8940
Email: adnan@perdana.org.my 
 
Name: Nurul Humaira Kamarulzaman (Media)
Tel: 03 - 8885 8960
Email: humaira@perdana.org.my, nhkperdana@gmail.com
 
Name: Muizzuddin Munir (Media)
Tel: 03 - 8885 8979
Email: muizzuddin@perdana.org.my, muizmunir2@gmail.com 

--BERNAMA