All that the Veterans wanted was the streamlining of pensions for those who left the service before 2013, yet they were thwarted at every turn even when the courts ruled in their favor by the Madani Goverment

US Embassy Chargé d'Affaires ad interim David H. Gamble said the contribution reflected the long-standing ties between the two countries, including the unique connection between Tugu Negara and the Iwo Jima Memorial in the US.

Gamble said there is a similar monument in the United States, the Iwo Jima Memorial. It was also sculpted by Felix de Weldon, the artist behind Tugu Negara.

"Given the striking similarities, and how these two monuments bind our countries together, we went back a few months ago and were able to get permission for the RM1 million contribution to Malaysia on behalf of the American people," he told reporters after the US Freedom 250 Reception today.

Present as guest of honour was Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. The US will celebrate its Independence Day on July 4.

Gamble said the contribution was meant to support Malaysia's efforts to ensure the national monument is restored ahead of the country's major Merdeka milestone next year.

He said the restoration work would be undertaken by Malaysia, adding that the embassy had been working with the relevant parties to ensure the contribution would be useful.

"We have been working very quietly behind the scenes to make sure this gift from the American people is useful for Malaysia and that there is a plan for it," he said.

The celebration also featured the premiere of "America the Beautiful and Tanah Pusaka" song which Gamble said blended musical elements meaningful to both countries and was performed by singers with ties to Malaysia and the US.

Gamble said the celebration carried deeper meaning as both Malaysia and the US shared a post-colonial history of independence and nation-building.

"Next year, Malaysia will also mark a fantastic anniversary of its own post-colonial period. In that sense, we share a unique heritage - both our nations were former colonies which declared independence, struck out on their own and built nations," he said.

Gamble said Malaysia-US ties had gained strong momentum this year, with new opportunities opening up for both countries. He said American business and trade had been present in Malaysia for about 150 years and had expanded significantly over the past five decades.

"When we talk about the economic relationship between the United States and Malaysia, it is 300,000 jobs supported here in Malaysia by American businesses.