Free access to memorials honouring Malaysian icons for a year
The National Unity Ministry said the initiative encourages Malaysians to visit the memorials dedicated to national leaders and cultural figures by making Malaysia's political and cultural legacy more accessible.
The memorials include those that commemorate key figures such as Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra and Tun Abdul Razak in Kuala Lumpur, Tun Abdul Ghafar Baba in Melaka, and iconic sites like the P. Ramlee Birth House in Penang and Rumah Merdeka in Kedah.
In a statement on Monday (June 9), the ministry said the programme aligns with the theme for International Archives Week 2025, 'Arkib Boleh Diakses, Arkib Untuk Semua' (Accessible Archives, Archives for All), and reflects the government's broader agenda to democratise historical awareness.
"The initiative aims to bring history closer to the people, particularly the younger generation, and ensure national records and stories are accessible to all levels of society," it said.
The ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting community archiving efforts, including oral histories from the Orang Asli and indigenous communities in Sabah and Sarawak.
Such efforts, it said, are essential for building a more inclusive and representative national narrative.
"Let us embrace the nation's historical heritage, nurture a love for the homeland and strengthen unity through reflection on our shared past," the statement read.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang described the National Archives of Malaysia (ANM) as a 'guardian of national memory', noting its crucial role in preserving records while unifying the stories of Malaysia's diverse communities.
"From the fight for independence to the ongoing journey of national integration, the archives are essential. Without them, history fades, identity blurs and unity weakens," he said.
The ANM is a Category A Institutional Member of the International Council on Archives (ICA), a status that provides it with access to global archival collaboration and discourse. - Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Rakyat Post
43 minutes ago
- Rakyat Post
Rukun Negara: Is There Enough Politeness And Decency Going Around?
Subscribe to our FREE The Rukun Negara (National Principles) is Malaysia's national philosophy, which was declared in 1970 by the fourth Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Almarhum Tuanku Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Zainal Abidin following the 13 May 1969 racial riots. It was designed to foster unity and strengthen national identity in Malaysia's diverse, multi-ethnic society. These principles serve as a guide for Malaysian citizens in nation-building, social harmony, and loyalty to the country. The text in Malaysia's Rukun Negara mentions its Achieve greater unity in Malaysians. Preserve a democratic way of life. Create a just society where the nation's prosperity is fairly shared. Ensure a liberal approach to Malaysia's rich and diverse cultural traditions. Build a progressive society oriented towards modern science and technology. Typically recited at school assemblies and official events, the Rukun Negara always begins with a preamble that goes: 'Maka kami, rakyat Malaysia, berikrar akan menumpukan seluruh tenaga dan usaha kami untuk mencapai cita-cita tersebut berdasarkan prinsip-prinsip berikut' (Therefore we, the people of Malaysia, pledge to devote all our energy and efforts to achieving these ideals based on the following principles) The preamble is followed by: Kepercayaan kepada Tuhan (Belief in God). Kesetiaan kepada Raja dan Negara (Loyalty to King and Country). Keluhuran Perlembagaan (Supremacy to the Constitution). Kedaulatan Undang-undang (Rule of Law). Kesopanaan dan Kesusilaan (Politeness and Decency). Image: Malaysia National Archive The underrated principle Referring to a Bernama According to him, a progressive society is not limited to technological or economic advancements, but also places high value on humanity to enable every individual to work together where beneficial relationships thrive. 'Surely, we do not want to shape a society devoid of human values, resembling soulless robots. Likewise, in social interactions, every word or writing reflects one's personality,' he said. Shazwan's views and words are linked closely to the fifth Principle: Politeness and Decency. Image: Institute of Strategic and International Studies A Rukun Negara 'Every person and every group should manage their affairs in a manner that does not violate morality. This morality abhors and condemns behaviour or actions that are arrogant or offend the feelings of a group' 'A citizen should not question the loyalty of another citizen on the grounds that he or she comes from a certain lineage. Polite behaviour also includes a high degree of morality in both our private and public lives' It's a good principle to follow, yet many still choose to ignore it The lack of morality and decency is evident in today's news headlines, and it doesn't take an expert to see it. Take for example, a recent case where a security guard picks a fight with a trained martial artist simply because he thought he was being recorded while he was bullying an older man. The security guard responded with aggression and provocation, while the martial artist used his skills to defuse the situation. Although to be fair, the security guard later publicly apologised for his behaviour. Just imagine: A full-grown adult man was behaving aggressively and making inappropriate remarks about someone just because he thought he got caught bullying an elderly. If he had just practiced the fifth Principle, there would not even be any elderly bullying in the first place. READ MORE: Image: MRT Corp In more recent events, a string of Malaysian flags being spotted flown upside down at certain establishments have sparked anger and online criticism, often leading to cyberbullying and persecution. As much as the anger is understood since it is the Jalur Gemilang being displayed the wrong way, it also begs the questions as to why every person's first instinct is to record or photograph the upside down flag and spread it on social media for everyone to demonise the person who hung the flag before finding out what really happened. A moral and decent thing to do would be to approach the owner of the flag and inform them to correct it. If the owner refuses to, or is doing it on purpose to disturb public peace, getting authorities involved would be the next responsible step. In fact, individuals who were quick to judge found themselves silenced after one case of an upside down flag at a factory in Melaka turned out to be a case of strong winds that caused the flag to become undone from its pole and ended up upside down. READ MORE: These are just a few examples of how a handful of individuals in Malaysian society today behaves. The Rukun Negara was created to foster unity in Malaysians, but it will only work if everyone practices it. Anything that is strong is typically built on strong foundations, and the fifth principle is at the bottom not because it is low in priority, but because it acts as a solid foundation to build on the rest of the principles further up in the list. In the spirit of the 68th Hari Merdeka, look to the fifth principle in the Rukun Negara and start being kind, respectful, and decent to your fellow Malaysians. Bersatu Kita Teguh, Bercerai Kita Roboh Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Increasing retirement age will balance with providing opportunities for youth
KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Resources Ministry has assured that any review of the retirement age will strike a balance between retaining an experienced workforce and creating opportunities for the younger generation. Its minister Steven Sim said several factors must be taken into account in developing a long-term framework, including Malaysians' rising life expectancy, the health and productivity levels of older workers, national labour demand, and the youth unemployment rate. "The Ministry also considers the long-term impact on youth employment, ensuring that any policy change will not add further pressure to the national labour market. "The main focus is to maintain a balance between retaining experienced workers and providing opportunities for the younger generation to secure jobs suited to their qualifications," he said in a written parliamentary reply. Sim said the retirement age set under the Minimum Retirement Age Act 2012 is 60, which represents the minimum age at which an employee may retire. "However, the Act does not prevent employers from hiring workers above the age of 60 or extending their employment," he said. He was responding to Riduan Rubin (Independent–Tenom), who asked about the empirical rationale and long-term policy framework behind the ministry's review of the retirement age, to ensure it does not increase pressure on youth employment opportunities or leave a highly educated younger generation without suitable jobs. On May 23, Sim said the issue of retirement age is among 28 labour laws under the purview of the ministry currently undergoing review, reforms and updates. He said the matter was being considered carefully, taking into account the suitability of any changes in the Malaysian context, as there are both pros and cons to raising the retirement age.
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
Bumiputera empowerment continues in 13MP with needs-based poverty eradication
KUALA LUMPUR: The bumiputera socio-economic empowerment agenda outlined in the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 continues to be emphasised in the 13th Malaysia Plan. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan stated this effort ensures that no one is marginalised during the 13MP implementation period. 'In principle, the government has always abided by what is enshrined in the Constitution, as emphasis is given to bumiputeras and this will always be safeguarded,' he said when winding up the debate on the 13MP motion in the Dewan Rakyat today. Amir Hamzah, who also carries out the duties and functions of the Economy Minister, stressed that poverty affects all regardless of ethnicity or religion. He confirmed the government will continue to eradicate poverty regardless of ethnicity through comprehensive measures. 'The bumiputera affirmative agenda will continue to be safeguarded as enshrined in the Constitution, and poverty will be addressed in line with the implementation of needs-based policies,' he added. The government remains committed to intensifying comprehensive development based on multiple dimensions to create equitable opportunities. This approach aims to increase social mobility and the well-being of the rakyat through needs-based assistance. 'This effort will benefit all target groups in need, including bumiputera, Orang Asli, Sabahans, Sarawak bumiputera, as well as the Indian and Chinese communities,' he concluded. – Bernama
