Rais: People should love and appreciate history

Malaysians have been urged to have a greater appreciation and love for history and historical relics that are proof of the their heritage.

Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said the matter must be given importance as currently, many people misunderstood various aspects of the history of the country, the states, a particular place or
of past events.

“I suggest that every Malaysian citizen love and appreciate the country’s history and help in preserving our historical relics, artefacts and documents,” he said after witnessing the official opening of the Pahang branch office of theNational Archives of Malaysia by the Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Ahmad Shah, today.

Rais said to foster love and appreciation for history among every section of society, all groups must play their role, especially the National Archives itself, as well as non-governmental organisations and history reseachers.

He said the National Archives and its branch offices nationwide should draw up and hold related programmes for the people that could instil love for history, especially among the young generation.

“The Pahang Archives, for instances, is a treasure trove of historical sources but there must be appreciation of this and to give value to it by organising programmes for the public.”

Rais is confident that the use of modern technology at all the nation’s archives to speed up the search for any data or historical information will enable the public to understand and appreciate history better.

He said such technology could also draw more interest from students of history at the Bachelor and Master’s degree level to conduct research at the archives.

The Pahang Archives, located in Bandar Indera Mahkota, here, keeps 122,518 documented records on the state, some of which are a century old including those  categorised as top secret, confidential and open.

– Bernama