KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 — The United States (US) will provide RM1 million for the restoration of Tugu Negara, said US Embassy Chargé d'Affaires David H. Gamble Jr.
The contribution comes from the US government and the American people as a gift for Malaysia in celebration of its 70 years of independence next year.
He said there is a similar monument in Washington, D.C. — the Iwo Jima Memorial — and that both monuments were designed by the same sculptor, underscoring the historical connection between the two nations.
“Given the striking similarities and how these two monuments bind our countries together, we went back a few months ago, and we were able to get permission to get the RM1 million to Malaysia on behalf of the American people.
“So that Tugu Negara is ready for your big anniversary next year,” he told reporters after the 'Freedom 250 Reception - Celebrating 250 Years of American Independence' programme today.
The Independence Day celebration hosted by the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur brought together Malaysian government and business leaders, diplomatic partners, civil society representatives, alumni, and friends of the US to celebrate a quarter millennium of American history and the enduring US-Malaysia partnership rooted in freedom, innovation, and opportunity.
Malaysia's Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani attended the reception as the guest of honour.
Gamble added that the restoration of the national monument will be carried out by Malaysia and that the initiative has been coordinated with the Malaysian government to ensure that the American people's contribution supports a restoration project that meets Malaysia's needs.
Reflecting on the bilateral ties, he said the relationship between the US and Malaysia had been on "hyperdrive" this year.
“It started before the President (Donald Trump) came here, but even since then, all these new opportunities are opening up for Malaysia and for the United States, going back and forth,” Gamble said.
On economic ties, he said American businesses have been operating in Malaysia for more than a century, with the partnership seeing strong growth over the past 50 years.
The US remains Malaysia’s largest trading partner, with American companies supporting growth and creating around 300,000 jobs in the country.
“When you look at American companies operating here in Malaysia, there are not thousands of foreign workers there. It is full of Malaysians, and that is how it should be.
“We are bringing something here so that it is a true partnership where both sides win. We are not here to run the show; we are here to partner with Malaysia,” Gamble said.
A highlight of the evening was the premiere of a new music video featuring an original arrangement combining two patriotic songs — America the Beautiful and Tanah Pusaka — symbolising shared patriotism and the enduring friendship between the two nations.
The video will premiere on the Embassy’s social media channels tomorrow at 10am.
