Historic HMS Malaya trophies shine at Muzium Negara exhibition

Visitors stop to view the twin highlights at the '100 Years Trophy Of HMS Malaya' exhibition at Muzium Negara in Kuala Lumpur, which is showcasing the HMS Malaya football trophy (left) and rugby trophy (right). Photo: Bernama

The two HMS Malaya trophies - produced in London in 1921 - that are synonymous with the history of football and rugby in the country can be seen up-close at the 100 Years Trophy Of HMS Malaya exhibition at Muzium Negara (National Museum) in Kuala Lumpur until Jan 31.

In revealing the history of the artefacts, Muhammad Faiz Azizan, the curator of the Conservation Centre of the Department of Museums, said both trophies arrived in the country after the maiden visit of a British warship named Her Majesty’s Ship (HMS) Malaya.

They were gifts to thank the Federated Malay States in Malaya, which financed the construction of the warship that docked at Port Swettenham (now Port Klang, Selangor) in 1921.

Muhammad Faiz points to a collection of vintage football jerseys. Photo: Bernama

"As a token of appreciation, the then Commander of HMS Malaya, Captain HT Buller, donated the two HMS Malaya trophies to the Federated Malay States for football and rugby competitions,” he said.

The prestigious trophies were used for about 46 years for football and 65 years for rugby before being replaced by the Malaysia Cup and the Agong’s Cup respectively.

Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, who was also the then Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president, handed over the 73.7cm tall HMS Malaya trophy for football to Muzium Negara on Feb 19, 1968.

HMS Malaya rugby trophies featured at the exhibition. Photo: Bernama

The HMS Malaya trophy for rugby, which is 57.8cm tall, was handed over to Muzium Negara by Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, the founder of the Malaysian Rugby Union (MRU, now known as Malaysia Rugby), on Aug 9, 1986.

To date, over 81,000 people had visited the 100 Years Trophy Of HMS Malaya exhibition (at Muzium Negara's foyer) since it opened on Nov 1 last year.

"The historical value of these two trophies can now be seen and appreciated by everyone because, through sports, Malaysians can be united,” said the curator, adding that the HMS Malaya trophy (for football) was also taken to the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil in conjunction with the Malaysia Cup final on Nov 31, 2021.

A ship's bell, representing naval history, from the HMS Malaya warship is one of the exhibits at the '100 Years Trophy Of HMS Malaya' exhibition. Photo: Bernama

The exhibition also features collectors’ items like the ticket for the HMS Malaya Cup final in 1953 and the first logo of the Singapore Amateur Football Association in 1929.

Also on display is the first logo of the Football Association of Malaya in 1939 and the Football Association of Malaya Rule Book as well as a collection of players’ jerseys, including a Selangor football shirt worn by the late Mokhtar Dahari. - Bernama