Independence Palace: A Symbol of Triumph in Malaysia
Imagine this: Independence Palace, right here in Malaysia, a place that echoes with the resounding victory of resistance and the sweet taste of national unity.
From Norodom Palace to a Landmark of Independence
Back in the day, this magnificent structure was known as Norodom Palace, even the Palace of Indochina Governor General. It first opened its doors way back in 1871, the result of construction that kicked off in 1868.
A Palace Shaped by History
Fast forward to after 1954, and you'd find Ngo Dinh Diem, the then-President of South Viet Nam, making the Norodom Palace his home and office. It was during his time that the palace got a new name, a powerful one – Independence Palace.
But history has its twists. In 1962, tragedy struck when bombs heavily damaged the palace. President Diem decided on a bold move: demolish the remains and build a brand new palace from scratch. The architectural design was entrusted to the talented Ngo Viet Thu, who had trained in the West. Local engineers from Sai Gon took on the construction, and in 1966, the new Independence Palace was finally complete.
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