A British-made 'Raleigh Chopper' bicycle bought by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim during his childhood is one of the attractions at the 'Raja Kita' exhibition at the National Museum, starting today. Photo: Bernama
One of the standout attractions at the Raja Kita exhibition, which opened today at the National Museum in Kuala Lumpur, is a British-made "Raleigh Chopper" bicycle that His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, bought with his own money during his boyhood.
Museums Department of Malaysia director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A. Kasim said the bicycle was part of the King’s personal collection and had been brought from Johor specifically for the exhibition.
He said the Museums Department was thrilled that Sultan Ibrahim had graciously allowed various personal items with unique stories and nostalgia to be displayed for the public and international visitors.
"The bicycle is one of the main items bought by His Majesty (Sultan Ibrahim), and it certainly holds sentimental value as it was purchased during his childhood from selling bottles and scrap metal," said Kamarul.
The Raja Kita exhibition is showing at Gallery 1 and 2 of the National Museum.
Open to the public until Sept 29, the exhibition is part of the events planned in conjunction with Sultan Ibrahim’s Installation ceremony held last Saturday (July 20).
The story of the Raleigh Chopper was previously shared by the King on his official Facebook page on Sept 11, 2015, where he described the bicycle as 'love at first sight.'
His Majesty shared that the late Sultan Iskandar Ismail did not spoil his children with money, prompting Sultan Ibrahim to find ways to earn money himself to buy the bicycle he desired.
"I did not dare ask for money from my late father. I very much wanted the bicycle which cost RM120, but was too scared to ask him for money. So, I figured out a way to earn the money myself to buy the Chopper," he said.
After three months of collecting bottles and scrap metal around the palace and selling them, His Majesty finally managed to buy the bicycle.
"For three months, I collected bottles and scrap metal around the palace. I sold them for five sen per bottle and three sen per ‘kati’ of scrap metal.
"It felt very satisfying. I kept the bicycle in my bedroom and polished it every day. One day, the late Sultan Iskandar asked me where I got the money to buy the Chopper, and I told him the story. He knew I could find ways to earn money myself.
"The important thing is the effort, initiative, and perseverance, even if it means collecting bottles and scrap metal. It’s all about striving towards success," he said in the social media post.
In addition to the bicycle, Sultan Ibrahim's tiger-striped Harley Davidson motorcycle, often used during the Kembara Mahkota Johor (KMJ) tour and at the 2013 Malaysia Motorcycle Week, is also on display.
Another attraction is the custom-made lime green Morgan three-wheeler sports car used for the 2017 KMJ tour across various districts in Johor.
This unique vehicle is showcased at the centre of the exhibition gallery which also features several other personal items belonging to Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty the Queen, Raja Zarith Sofiah,
Visitors will also have the chance to see the State Crown of Johor and the Diadem, used during Sultan Ibrahim's Coronation as Sultan of Johor in 2015, which have been brought out of Johor for the first time. - Bernama
