A group of visitors having a closer look at the ruins of a temple structure at the Lembah Bujang Archaeological Museum in Merbok, Kedah. Photo: The Star/Filepic
Malaysia will work with China’s history experts to collect and document historical records related to the country's history, notably research surrounding the ancient Kedah civilisation.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the history of ancient Kedah was widely recorded by a Chinese historical figure, Bujannga Yi-Jing, who had once set foot in the Bujang Valley in the 7th century.
"Our objective is to track records, conduct research and reproduce relevant archival materials related to Malaysia's history, particularly from the perspective of Chinese scholarly sources," said Aaron during a meeting with the historians at the China Culture Centre in Beijing yesterday.
"For the Ministry of National Unity, we are committed to supporting all initiatives related to tracking and researching archival materials about the history of Malaysia overseas, including China," he added.
Aaron said the collaboration would also involve the Han Culture Centre Malaysia, the National Archives of Malaysia and Muzium Negara (the National Museum of Malaysia).
Meanwhile, Han Culture Centre Malaysia president Datuk Goh Hin San said that the incomplete historical facts could be researched further through exchanges and experts’ assistance.
"In the middle school history textbook in our country, there is also a story about Yi-Jing's visit to Kedah, but due to insufficient resources, there are only a few sentences (explaining the visit)," said Goh.
"The historical materials recorded by Yi-Jing’s second trip to Gujeda (ancient Kedah) are yet to be collected and excavated. This work is huge and requires the attention and promotion of the government," he added.
Goh also proposed for relevant parties to host an exchange seminar and translated the historical materials into Bahasa Malaysia and English to support the initiative. - Bernama
