Hans-Dieter EVERS 46 © 1997 Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore SOJOURN Vol. 12, No. 1 (1997), pp. 46–63 The Symbolic Universe of the UKM: A Semiotic Analysis of the National University of Malaysia Hans-Dieter EVERS This paper is an attempt to unravel the symbolism and the universe of meaning connected with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), the National University of Malaysia. Taking the methodology of analysis from social and urban semiotics, phenomenology, and post-modern social theory, the paper explores the symbolic triangle of Islam, adat, and ruler — symbolized by buildings, names, and locations — on the campus. On the other hand, the paper argues that the academic part of the symbolic universe of the UKM is derived from the British model and has been globalized and integrated into the international world of learning. In the most recent phase of construction work the symbolism of the Malay world has been abandoned and replaced by signs and styles taken from either Southeast Asian or a post-modern symbolic reposi- tory. The point of view creates the object. Saussure (1966), cited by Bourdieu et al. (1991, p. 33) Penubuhan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia … merupakan usaha gigih untuk menukarkan kebudayaan kolonial kepada kebudayaan nasional. Professor Ismail Hussein dalam Syarahan Perdana Jawatan Profesor UKM (30 January 1990, p. 7) Introduction: Cultural Symbols and Material Culture National monuments are usually deliberately constructed as powerful symbols of national glory and national identity. The National Monu- ment (Monumen Nasional or Monas), a tower on Freedom Square in Jakarta, 1 Soldiers storming up a hill to plant a flag in Kuala Lumpur, or the Brandenburger Tor in Berlin topped by the carriage of the God- ISEAS DOCUMENT DELIVERY SERVICE. No reproduction without permission of the publisher: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, 30 Heng Mui Keng Terrace, SINGAPORE 119614. FAX: (65)7756259; TEL: (65) 8702447; E-MAIL: publish@iseas.edu.sg