Hafidz Win’s Collection Of Merdeka Memories

KUALA LUMPUR: Abdul Hafidz Win has always loved collecting things. Since his schooldays, the vivacious chartered accountant from Muar, Johor, has been amassing all sorts of items that catch his fancy - from coins and stamps to teapots and Coca-Cola merchandise.

One of his greatest passions is history. Over the years, this led him to build an impressive collection of antiques and retro items from around the world.

Nestled within this collection are souvenirs and memorabilia commemorating Merdeka through the years - a subset that is particularly close to his heart.

“I’ve always loved items with a story behind them; so, for a long time, I’ve kept an eye out for anything with a connection to Merdeka. Not just the historic day itself, but also how we have celebrated it over the years,”the 57-year-old told FMT Lifestyle.

He initially kept his antique collection at home, but when the collection got too big, he moved it to a dedicated display space in Bandar Tun Razak here.

Today, he rents out these vintage items for events, as well as film and television productions, under the name Koleksi Malaya.

This is more of a hobby than an actual business, he noted with a laugh. Among his most beloved items are those that relate to his family’s history, including his grandmother’s cooking utensils and wedding keepsakes.

“People ask, isn’t it a lot of work, keeping these items and cleaning them? For me, it’s therapeutic. It’s a passion. So it’s not a burden, it’s stress management,” Hafidz said with a smile.

“I don’t know how many items I have," he added. "Yes, I'm an accountant, but somehow, I’ve never done a stock take of my collection!”

Stepping into Koleksi Malaya is like taking a trip back in time, with all manner of old furniture, appliances and curios on display.

Vintage mugs and glasses emblazoned with the word “Merdeka” date from 1957 all the way up to the 2000s. Alongside them is an unusual item: a replica of Tunku Abdul Rahman’s identity card, complete with his number "0000001".

A display cabinet in Hafidz's gallery is filled with commemorative plates bearing national insignia and patriotic motifs, all honouring the country’s independence.

“They really used to make some very nice and memorable Merdeka souvenirs back then. The souvenirs nowadays need to show the real spirit of Merdeka. They don’t have enough ‘boom’ for people to be proud enough to buy and keep them,” he mused.

One wall displays a replica photo of the declaration of independence at Stadium Merdeka, while another features a copy of the Proclamation of Independence written in Jawi.

Also prominently displayed are images of Tunku and other notable historical figures.

Occupying pride of place is a selection of stamps and first-day covers commemorating Merdeka Day. As an avid philatelist, Hafidz credits these items in particular for having sparked his passion for collecting.

Hafidz, who has received many requests to open Koleksi Malaya to the public, said he would do so if he could find someone to help him run it.

He further opines that many of the younger generation know little about the country’s past, and hopes his collection could help them better appreciate the sacrifices that were made in building the nation.

As for this year's Merdeka festivities? Hafidz simply wishes for Malaysians to celebrate together without division and build a great nation together.

“Back in Muar, I had school friends from all races and backgrounds, and we still meet and catch up today. But it’s harder to find things like that now. I hope everyone comes together with a good spirit this Merdeka,” he concluded.

Follow Koleksi Malaya on Instagram.