SHAH ALAM: The government is considering additional allocations to facilitate the repatriation and recovery of important historical artifacts and documents currently held abroad, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said the costs involved in retrieving these pieces of history could be substantial, and as of now, no specific budget has been allocated for this.
Ahmad Zahid said he has tasked National Unity Minister, Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, with presenting the matter to the Cabinet next week.
"While efforts have been made to bring back historical items from abroad, the funds have been insufficient.
"What the National Archives requires is funding based on the value of these historical materials, many of which remain in former colonial offices, museums or individually held,” he told reporters after officiating the 2024 National History and Unity Convention: ‘Tracing History, Building National Unity’, here on Thursday (Sept 19).
Ahmad Zahid said some of these artifacts were not only stolen but also seized and taken abroad as confidential documents by colonial officials, either personally or officially.
In his opening speech, Ahmad Zahid stressed the importance of preserving historical facts, saying that they should not be manipulated to fuel disputes stemming from ideological differences on sensitive topics like race, royalty and religion (3R).
"History must be based on objective facts, not distorted for political or personal gain. Excessive racial and political polarisation has planted seeds of hatred, leading to a disregard for true historical facts, which must be addressed urgently.
"Therefore, history must be adapted and refined in line with contemporary realities, viewed from a broader, more objective perspective, rather than serving the interests of small, fragmented groups," he said.
He said the government is considering the formation of a National Historians Council, which is hoped to take a lead role in countering the distortion of historical facts, which has long caused negative perceptions and poses a threat to national unity and stability.
He also said the government will elevate the council as the highest authority on historical matters, ensuring that the country’s history is written based on factual evidence, free from ideological bias.
The 2024 National History and Unity Convention, which commenced on Thursday, places a significant emphasis on preserving historical elements as the cornerstone for building a Malaysia Madani society.
Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, stated that the convention, themed Menelusuri Sejarah: Membina Perpaduan Negara Bangsa (Tracing History: Building National Unity), aims to disseminate historical information to the public, highlighting the importance of constructing a Malaysian nation-state based on its own unique identity.
"This must be carried out by encouraging understanding, learning, and drawing lessons from past events," he said.
"History is more than just a record of the past; it is the foundation that shapes our identity and spirit as Malaysians. Through history, we can understand the struggles and successes that have shaped this nation," he added in his welcoming speech at the convention.
Aaron announced that a resolution would be formed at the end of the convention and presented to the National Unity Advisory Council to formulate action plans for the Ministry of Unity.
"These action plans will address various aspects of national reconciliation and propose the best solutions for the government to handle issues and challenges related to unity," he said.
The two-day convention's agenda includes presentations of papers, panel discussions featuring experts, and an exclusive exhibition themed The Struggle for Independence. – Bernama
