The evolution of Malaysian banknotes design: a study of form, content and context / Mohamed Razeef Abdul Razak

The study examines the Malaysian banknotes design produced by the Bank Negara Malaysia (National Central Bank) since its first series in 1967 up to the third series in 1996. These banknotes series are Malaysian Banknotes First Series (1967-1981); Malaysian Banknotes Second Series (1981-1996); and Malaysian Banknotes Third Series (1996-2004) respectively. The study explores the forms, style and meanings in the design of the banknotes. As such, three types of analyses were carried out: historical analysis, formal analysis and content analysis. The data from historical analysis shed insight regarding the historical background of the Malaysian currency. Important historical events, which are crucial for the development of banknote design in this country, are identified. These events are found to unfold according to three different phases: the formation of Malaysia (1957-1970); the effects of the national policies (1971-1980); and the vision of Tun Dr. Mahathir (1981-1996). The second analysis focuses on the construction of the Malaysian banknote design through the identification of six aspects: image, text, symbol, pattern, colour and composition. The analysis provides data in relation to the visuals utilised by the Bank Negara Malaysia in the construction of the banknotes. The final analysis investigates the meaning of the visual elements through the employment of semiotic analysis; these meanings were taken associated to Malaysia’s history, politics and culture. In relation to design evolution, Bank Negara Malaysia appears to be keeping abreast with the latest trends through the infusion of fresher design and more modern style on the banknotes, as well as the integration of the most advance security features. The images portrayed on the banknotes support national agenda and aspiration of the country, they help in sending messages to the public and impact positively on the national identity. The study concluded that the portrait of the first Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Bank Negara Malaysia’s logo, the use of Malay texts, the use of Ringgit Malaysia as the currency are the key visuals of Malaysian banknote designs, Malaysian banknotes should be considered as a prominent portrayal of national identity.