Reliving the past with Merdeka Stadium

Its doors will open for events in December or January

THERE is a fervent attempt to bring the glory back to Merdeka Stadium. And PNB chairman Tun Ahmad Sarji wants to start with staging the Merdeka Tournament annually.

"The stadium will be ready by November. We're looking at opening its doors either by December or perhaps early January," said Ahmad Sarji, also chairman of IIUM and Lawns Bowls Association of Malaysia.

"We want national sports associations to talk to us. We want them to bring their events back. It would be fabulous if the FA of Malaysia organises the Merdeka Tournament where it all started - at Merdeka Stadium."

Merdeka Stadium holds special meaning to the country. It was built for the declaration of Independence on Aug 31, 1957. It was later turned into a sporting hub, hosting a series of events including the Muhammad Ali vs Joe Bugner clash on July 1, 1975, the 1977 SEA Games and the annual Merdeka Tournament.

It also saw concerts by, among others, the late King of Pop Michael Jackson, Kool and the Gang, Celine Dion and Linkin Park.

Modernisation took its toll on Merdeka Stadium and Stadium Negara, a stone's thrown away. It was almost torn down but due to a public outcry, plans to redevelop the land were shelved. Then came along PNB, promising
to upkeep all 14 acres of the land housing the stadiums and developing the surrounding 19 acres - ranging from posh residential areas to business plazas at a gross development value of RM3 billion.

"PNB is the owner but the stadiums are entrusted with the PNB's Merdeka Heritage Trust Foundation.

"The first phase of restoration works was to commemorate the 50th Merdeka celebrations in 2007. Now we're into our second phase and have spent around RM8.5 million to give Merdeka Stadium its original look," added Ahmad Sarji.

The restoration works will include the construction of the saluting platform at the grandstand, retaining walls, minor repairs and a scoreboard complete with State emblems - almost like what the stadium looked like when it was built.

The upper terraces have been torn down and as such, the seating capacity is now reduced from 45,000 to 20,000 - just as it was in 1957. Also gone is the running track.

Stadium Negara, meanwhile, will house a sports library, a gymnasium and a gallery celebrating historical
feats achieved at both Merdeka Stadium and Stadium Negara.

"We're got plans for Stadium Negara. Let's keep that for another day," Ahmad Sarji said. Merdeka Stadium was awarded the 2008 Unesco Asia-Pacifi c Heritage Award of Excellence and was declared a National Heritage by the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry earlier this year.

"National stadiums are objects of pride with history. Sadly, many are under-utilised. It is now up to the NSAs to approach us and make use of the facilities.

"They should know the number of spectators expected in the preliminary rounds and the critical stages. Merdeka Stadium is in the heart of town, has ample parking space and excellent public transportation.

"If organisers want to relive past memories, if they want reasonable prices to host a reasonable crowd, then Merdeka Stadium is the place for it," Ahmad Sarji said.

Sportcheck — FAM says why not

PRIDE: Ahmad Sarji with the awards given to Stadium Merdeka

WHY not? That was the immediate reaction from FA of Malaysia (FAM) deputy-president Datuk Seri Redzuan Sheikh Ahmad on utilising Merdeka Stadium as the main venue for football events, including the Merdeka Tournament.

“Obviously, the field must be of international standard as we host international teams. That aside, I feel it would be wonderful to have the matches at Merdeka Stadium,” said Redzuan.

Perbadanan Nasional Berhad (PNB) chairman Tun Ahmad Sarji has urged national sports associations, including FAM, to use Merdeka Stadium when it opens its doors again by the end of this year.

Redzuan said the reduced seating capacity would not be a problem.

“We know when there will be fans and when there isn’t going to be a large crowd. We can also use two or more stadiums and shift the venues once the numbers get larger, which would normally be during the more critical stages of a tournament,” added Redzuan.

Merdeka Stadium staged a string of football activities. It saw the likes of the late Mokhtar Dahari, Santokh Singh, Dollah Salleh and national coach K. Rajagobal play on the field.

“We couldn’t organise the Merdeka Tournament and Intercontinental Cup this year due to the swine flu.

“There’s still plenty of time for next year’s edition. Who knows, if all goes well it may be a good idea to use Merdeka Stadium as the venue,” Redzuan added.

Stadium history

MERDEKA STADIUM was constructed in 1956 for Malaysia’s declaration of Independence on Aug 31, 1957.

From its original capacity of 20,000, the stadium was later able to fit 40,000 people and running tracks were included, turning it into a multi-sports facility.

Merdeka Stadium hosted a series of sports, cultural and arts activities, including the 1965 and 1971 SEAP Games, 1977 and 1989 SEA Games, national athletics meets, the annual Merdeka Tournament, the memorable Muhammad Ali vs Joe Bugner heavyweight title clash, a number of concerts including German rock band Scorpions, the late King of Pop Michael Jackson and Hong Kong stars such as Leslie Cheung and Aaron Kwok.

STADIUM NEGARA was declared open on April 10, 1962 by our third King Tuanku Syed Putra. It was the scene of several world badminton triumphs, including the Thomas Cup victory of 1992. It too held several concerts, including Santana in mid-70s, and Disneyland shows.

CHIN WOO STADIUM is anotherfamous landmark in the area. Built in the 1950s by YT Lee, the stadium was a favourite badminton and aquatics hub. It remains so today as it is located in the heart of town. National swimming championships were mostly held there.

MERDEKA STADIUM HIGHLIGHTS

Sept 25, 1956 – Construction began

Aug 21, 1957 – Stadium fully completed with a capacity of 20,000 at a cost of RM2.3 million

Aug 30, 1957 – Officially launched by Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman

Aug 31, 1957 – Saw Malaysia’s declaration of Independence

1957 – 1995 – Hosted the Pestabola Merdeka tournament

1965, 1971 – Hosted the SEAP Games

1977, 1989 – Hosted the SEA Games

July 1, 1975 – Muhammed Ali fought Joe Bugner for the heavyweight title

1994 – Talk of demolishing Stadium Merdeka and Stadium Negara heightened after UEM was granted the rights to develop the land. Proposed was a RM1 billion complex of office blocks, shopping complex, high-end residential areas, park, amphitheatre and entertainment centre.

Oct 27, 1996 – Michael Jackson performed in front of a packed stadium

2001 – PNB acquired the land from UEM as the latter had no financial capability to proceed with the billion-ringgit project due to the economic downturn. PNB would redevelop the surrounding land but restore the two stadiums for sporting activities

Aug 31, 2007 – 50th Merdeka Celebrations held at Stadium Merdeka

Dec 2009 – Expected completion of Stadium Merdeka restoration works

Malay Mail