A Trip to The Muzium Negara

This was during our last trip to KL in June this year... Daughter followed us. When we asked her whether she wanted to go to the museum, she enthusiastically said yes. Which parents won't be just as enthusiastic about an educational trip when the child is, huh??? *grins* With Son, it would be difficult to elicit any response with eagerness save for a flat 'yes'!

So, Muzium Negara we went. It's been more than 10 years since our last visit there with Son. Getting there took a little effort as we have lost feel of the roads in KL after such a long hiatus. The place was just opening when we got there. Got our tickets.. RM2 for adults and free for those below 12. Cheap!

They have 4 galleries... I enjoyed the first three. The early history was quite fun as lots of the stuff that I taught Son and his friends are still fresh in my memory. Malaysian history actually has quite an uncomplicated timeline... it just kinda moved from one stage to another... Malacca, Portuguese, Dutch and English eras... so not very difficult to understand if there is interest.

The last one... Malaysia Kini / Malaysia Today (pun intended) felt kinda propaganda-ish. Anyway, these are also 2 of the online media which are critical of the gahmen. LOL! The study of history shows that when a kingdom is at its nascent state, there is less opposition. Everyone works for a common goal. You are more likely to have common ideals then.

But when power is entrenched, those who hold the power will start to strengthen their grip through various means.... and that also usually marked the beginning of their downfall cos greed by then would play a big role... which give birth to corrupt practices, less than ideal values, etc, etc.

And this.... I wrote about Hang Tuah and his friends some time back.. I thought it used to be outside the museum.

History is actually an interesting subject. There are so many perspectives one can take about an issue or event. But sadly, history as a subject is not liked by students. And our Malaysian history too has been re-written in a propaganda-ish form.... Because of that, very often we cannot confront our past (and present) mistakes or admit our wrongs. History is supposed to make us better... make us insaf.... but instead, it sometimes sow seeds of hatred and mistrust instead.

Anyway, the museum was a nice trip. We were glad that we could squeeze in the visit despite the little time that we had. It was well worth the detour. Spending the extra time in the malls would not have given me this much satisfaction.