The Malayan Emergency (also known as the Communist Emergency) was a 12-year battle waged between Commonwealth armed forces and the Malayan National Liberation Army (MNLA), the military arm of the Malayan Communist Party. Unfortunately, though the state of emergency was lifted in 1960, members of the banned Communist Party placed a bomb under the sculpture in 1975 but thankfully the memorial was saved.

The first National Monument, a cenotaph, was set up by the British government to commemorate WWI, WWII and honour the fallen heroes of the Malayan Emergency. The second, and present, RM600, 000 National Monument took over five years to construct.

The National Monument is surrounded by a moat with fountains and ornamental pewter lilies. Just beside the National Monument sculpture is the Asean Sculpture Garden. Here, abstract art pieces made of marble, iron, wood and bamboo, from neighbouring ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) countries are displayed.

The Malaysian Houses of Parliament are situated beside the monument. One of Malaysia’s protected landmarks; a soldier raises the Jalur Gemilang (Malaysian flag) at dawn everyday and lowers it at dusk. Every July 31 (Warriors Day), a wreath-laying ceremony takes place at the National Monument. Interestingly, a new monument is set to be built in Putrajaya, the country's administrative capital.

• Opening Hours: 07:00 – 18:00
• Location: Jalan Tamingsabi
• Address: Jalan Parlimen, Kuala Lumpur 50480 Malaysia
• Tel: +603-2615-8188