PONTIAN: Tucked in a little village some 20km away from Pontian town lies a gallery filled with memorabilia commemorating the country’s 64 years of independence.

       Retired teacher Jamal Ahmad, 56, who now has more than 500 relics in his gallery in Kampung Serkat, started collecting the items from the time he was 16 years old.

       “I started off by collecting old stamps and coins when I was a teenager.

       “I later moved on to collecting other items such antique toys, ceramics, mugs, radios, phones, traditional accessories, magazines, souvenirs and anything I can find that carries historical value.

       “I then decided to turn the space beside my house into a gallery that is open to the public for free. I have received visitors from China, Japan, Singapore as well as all over Malaysia.

       “For me, my collection would mean a lot more if I can share it with people, especially those who are eager to know more about Malaysia’s history,” said Jamal, who taught History and Bahasa Melayu for 28 years before retiring about three months ago.

       Among the treasures in the gallery is a copy of the country’s Proclamation of Independence from Aug 31, 1957.

       “I bought a copy of the document from a friend for about RM2,000.

       “When the country gained its independence in 1957, village chiefs and community leaders were given copies of the Proclamation of Independence document.

       “This is one of the few remaining early copies of the document that still remain intact and I learnt that it is now valued at more than RM50,000,” he said.

       He has over 120 relics related to Malaysia’s independence, from original copies of magazines and newspapers that was printed on Sept 1, 1957, a day after National Day, to posters, Merdeka-themed mugs, books, postcards and keychains, among others.

       He added that the first Merdeka-themed items he got were glasses with photo of Malaysia’s first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman printed on it, which he got about 15 years ago.

       “Some of the items were handed down to me from my parents and other family members, some were given by friends and others were bought online, from other collectors or from ‘Pasar Karat’ (flea markets),” he said, adding that he had travelled to Indonesia and Singapore to buy the items.

       “I am glad that my son shares my passion and could some day continue on my legacy of keeping these historical Merdeka related items intact,” he said.

       Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the gallery is closed until further notice.