George town: As Malaysians proudly fly the Jalur Gemilang ahead of the National Day, the spirit of patriotism, unity and hope for the future is also finding its voice through art.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, a year after unveiling “negaraku,” an exhibition honoring the nation’s journey from independence to its future possibilities, art collector Bingley Sim and his wife Ima Norbinsha return with “negaraku II,” a more expansive sequel that delves deeper into the complexities of Malaysian identity.
Running throughout the month at Hin Bus Depot, Jalan Gurdwara, “negaraku II” showcases compelling works from the private collection of Sim, 62, and Ima, 63, who are passionate champions of socially conscious Malaysian contemporary art. Curated by Ivan Gabriel, the exhibition features 35 works from the couple’s private collection, with some presented as thematic sets, bringing the total number of individual pieces to about 60, divided into six chapters.
In an interview, Sim explained that the first chapter titled ‘Pejuang-Pejuang’ (Warriors) begins with a 1511 masterpiece by Edroger Rosili depicting the Portuguese arrival, a reminder of a history Malaysians must not forget, as their ancestors lived under colonial rule for centuries. He said the second chapter ‘Malaysia, Truly Asia’ takes inspiration from the well-known tourism slogan, highlighting the country’s rich cultural diversity while also addressing the underlying challenges that coexist with its beauty.
The third chapter ‘Pendatang?’ (Immigrants?) explores the migrant roots of many Malaysians, reflecting on how many of their parents or grandparents were immigrants, as in Sim’s own case from China. In Chapter 4 titled ‘Sama-sama’ (Together), Sim pointed out that it celebrates Malaysia’s food culture as a unifying bridge between communities, while highlighting historical connections beyond popular eateries.
Chapter 5, ‘Impian – A Malaysian Dream’, reflects Malaysia’s youthful ambition and growth through symbols such as portraits of former Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak, which evoke the Red Book and Green Book initiatives, representing rural development and national progress. Finally, Chapter 6, ‘Rakyat Hidup Bersatu dan Maju’, offers a hopeful vision of unity and progress, serving as an inspiring conclusion to the exhibition.
Sim expressed that the curated arrangement is an achievement of Ivan Gabriel, emphasizing that “negaraku II” is essentially an installation by Ivan from the couple’s collection. Meanwhile, Ivan described “negaraku II” as a call to reflect on belonging and to honor the many faces and untold stories that give life to the nation. By organizing the exhibition into thematic chapters, the aim was to guide visitors through stories that touch on pride, migration, food, and shared aspirations while leaving room for personal interpretation.
Beyond the artworks themselves, Ivan said “negaraku II” comes alive through a dynamic public program that includes multilingual guided tours in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, and Sign Language, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background or ability, feels welcome. Adding to the experience are live food demonstrations featuring traditional dishes such as roti jala and nasi ulam.
The “negaraku II” exhibition is open to the public until Aug 31, from 12 pm to 7 pm on weekdays and 11 am to 7 pm on weekends, with free entry for all visitors.