독립의 기억과 기념의 장소: 말레이시아 메르데카 광장 (Merdeka Square)

Abstract

This paper starts from the point that Merdeka Square in Malaysia, which has a history of decolonization, conveys the sentiment of ‘independence’ to the people, but does not show the same aspect as a general place of independence. In particular, breaking away from the current research perspectives such as the urban aesthetic perspective focusing on the city development for administrative practices or architectural improvement and the colonial-imperialistic political perspective, this study looks over the meaning of this place in the light of the current problems in addition to the framework of “independence.” Above all, it explores not only the memory of independence but also the direction of Malaysia’s modern society, which has a pluralistic culture and multiracial characteristics, from the perspective of a sense of ‘solidarity’ that accepts ‘difference’. As a result, this study finds out the importance of accommodating the controversial context of current social relations and power in a comprehensive understanding as a dynamic place embracing Malaysia’s complex historical characteristics of independence and social conflicts and divisions. In addition, it discovers that the future steps toward the harmony of Malaysian society are confirmed through this space with a peculiarity of an ‘open space’ and an aesthetic of juxtaposition to which Foucault’s concept of ‘heterotopia’ is applied.