Why Have a National Museum? The National Museum and National Art Gallery of Malaysia in Context

Often, the national museums of postcolonial states are managed in line with governmental agendas in the interest of national development and unification. The concept of national culture in Malaysia, a multi-ethnic country with institutionalized policies of preference, has been a priority since independence. This paper examines the role of the National Museum and National Art Gallery of Malaysia as cultural institutions of social relevance; investigating their objectives and missions, locating them within historical and cultural contexts, and considering the implications of state policies.