Remembering
the atrocities of WWII
Goya's The Third of May, 1808
Like other countries during
the Second World War, Malaysia (and Penang) suffered greatly. Lives were
lost, families were torn apart, homes were razed and food was scarce. For
sure, the war left no fond memories for those who suffered through it.
Enter the country's premiere
War Museum, located right here in Penang. It is here to tell stories covering
all aspects of life in wartime. Its purpose is to encourage the study and
understanding of the history of modern war and how it affects our lives and
as a memorial to those who died defending the country.
Take a trip back in time
and get a first hand account of wartime with the impressive exhibits, including
a 'glimpse' into the daily lives of soldiers during WWII.
Situated on Bukit Batu Maung,
the 70 year-old old former British fort was 'rediscovered' by Johari Shafie
during an adventurous and brave hike. Because the hill was reputed to be
haunted, it was avoided by everyone except the brave and the skeptical. But
this is a good thing for the museum because it provides an excellent ambience
to the scenario. With a little imagination, one could even imagine hearing
the phantom screams of soldiers brutally tortured and killed here.
To add a further touch of
realism to wartime ambience, the War Museum plans to hold war games where
opposite teams will be armed with paint gun to shoot paint balls at their
'enemies' while trying to steal their flags.
According to Johari the fort
was manned by soldiers of different races - English, Indians and Malays mostly.
When the fort fell to Japanese hands, parts of it were turned into torture
chambers where executions took place.
The parts of the fort that
have been restored so far are the aforementioned torture chamber, medical
infirmary, ammunition store, observation tower, canon firing bay, well, generator
room, quarters, pill boxes, tunnels, lock up and cook house.
A forthcoming addition to
the museum will feature exhibitions and information on naval
warfare.
My mother visited the museum
last year and she described the place as a little "creepy" although she appeared
visibly excited by the experience. Having been a war child herself and then
going through the May 13 incident as an adult, the museum must have suddenly
reawakened memories of suffering.
Although the Penang War Museum
will play a significant role in educating visitors of all ages about life
during wartime, one could do well to also recall Picasso's Guernica, Goya's
The Third of May or Ibrahim Hussein's May 13 and remind oneself that there
is no glory in war.
Thankfully today, Malaysia
is a strife-free country. We can go about our business with little or no
worry. Be that as it may, the museum will serve to continually remind us,
lest we forget or take for granted, of the importance of maintaining peace
in the country.
When visitng the museum, you
are advised not to do the following: take any photographs of the exterior
or the interior; bring pets, radios or bicycles into the museum or smoke.
You should dress in light, cool clothing; wear comfy shoes; put on
a dull coloured hat and be armed with a pair of binoculars, insect repellent,
notebook and pen.
The Penang War
Museum
Lot 1350 Mukim 12, Merah Barat Daya, Batu Maung, 11960 Penang
Tel: 016-421 3606 / 604-391 0067
Fax: 604-644 8015
Opened seven days a week (including public holidays), from 9:00am to 7:00pm.
Entrance fee is RM10 for adults and RM5 for children.
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