Rewriting history must be based on truth
Bernama (20/5/08): Rewriting of the country's history must be based on the truth irrespective whether it was pioneered by revolutionists or accommodationists, the Dewan Rakyat was told Tuesday.
"What is important is that it must be based on truth which will eventually prevail over falsehood.
"We have to study the history and must not view the players as leaning to the left or right," Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said when winding up the debate on the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's address.
He was responding to a suggestion by Dr Zulkifli Ahmad (PAS-Kuala Selangor) that the country's history be rewritten.
Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi (BN-Batu Pahat) then interjected and asked the minister whether he agreed that the communists had also fought for independence just like Mat Kilau and the others did against the colonialists.
"I do not agree with this but if there are write-ups on them and that they are true, then we can accept.
"We (the government) cannot be too dependent on write-ups as we were also involved in the process which later became part of history," he added.
Shafie told Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (BN-Pasir Salak) that there was a need to focus on history in schools so that students understand the nation's struggle and help foster unity.
On the use of crude language by the media as raised by Johari Abdul (PKR-Sungai Petani), he said it was not only the media that should use courteous language but also the Members of Parliament. "Use language which can contribute positively.
We must be honest in this because sometimes raising the keris can cause problems as it has been politicised. The keris was not meant to be used in that way.
"The same goes for the azan (call to prayers). Some people consider it disturbing but it is only a call for Muslims to pray."
Shafie also said there was no need to re-evaluate the patriotism doctrine, adding that Malaysians should understand the Rukun Negara principles and abide by the Federal Constitution.
"What is important is that it must be based on truth which will eventually prevail over falsehood.
"We have to study the history and must not view the players as leaning to the left or right," Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said when winding up the debate on the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's address.
He was responding to a suggestion by Dr Zulkifli Ahmad (PAS-Kuala Selangor) that the country's history be rewritten.
Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi (BN-Batu Pahat) then interjected and asked the minister whether he agreed that the communists had also fought for independence just like Mat Kilau and the others did against the colonialists.
"I do not agree with this but if there are write-ups on them and that they are true, then we can accept.
"We (the government) cannot be too dependent on write-ups as we were also involved in the process which later became part of history," he added.
Shafie told Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (BN-Pasir Salak) that there was a need to focus on history in schools so that students understand the nation's struggle and help foster unity.
On the use of crude language by the media as raised by Johari Abdul (PKR-Sungai Petani), he said it was not only the media that should use courteous language but also the Members of Parliament. "Use language which can contribute positively.
We must be honest in this because sometimes raising the keris can cause problems as it has been politicised. The keris was not meant to be used in that way.
"The same goes for the azan (call to prayers). Some people consider it disturbing but it is only a call for Muslims to pray."
Shafie also said there was no need to re-evaluate the patriotism doctrine, adding that Malaysians should understand the Rukun Negara principles and abide by the Federal Constitution.
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