Public given free access to memorials honouring Malaysian icons
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysians are being encouraged to visit 10 national memorials dedicated to the country's national leaders and cultural figures, with free entry offered all year round, according to the Ministry of National Unity.
The initiative, aimed at making Malaysia's political and cultural legacy more accessible, includes memorials commemorating 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 today, 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 MADANI 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.
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The Star
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Free access to memorials honouring Malaysian icons for a year
PUTRAJAYA: To boost awareness of the nation's past leaders and icons, the government is making it free to visit 10 national memorials 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
The Sun
6 hours ago
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International Archives Week 2025 brings history closer to Malaysians
KUALA LUMPUR: The International Archives Week 2025 celebration is not only a tribute to the service and dedication of archivists, but also a call for the public to connect with the nation's historical treasures that underpin national identity and unity. Minister of National Unity Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said this year's theme 'Arkib Boleh Diakses, Arkib Untuk Semua' (Accessible Archives, Archives for All), aligns with the aspirations of the MADANI government in ensuring that the nation's history and documents are accessible to all levels of society. 'Archives are the guardians of our nation's memory. They do not merely store the country's history but also unite the narratives of all communities in Malaysia — from the struggle for independence and nation-building, to today's efforts to strengthen national integration. 'Without archives, history would be lost, identity would fade, and unity would diminish. Therefore, we must continue to support archival institutions and uphold the value of history as a shared national asset,' he said in a statement today. He said in conjunction with the celebration, the ministry through the National Archives of Malaysia (ANM) welcomes Malaysians to visit 10 Memorials of National Leaders, which are open to the public free of charge throughout the year. Aaron said this initiative aims to bring history closer to the people, especially the younger generation, by connecting them with the legacy of national leadership — a symbol of past leaders' struggles and sacrifices. 'In conjunction with International Archives Week, let us together make full use of the nation's historical treasures, nurture a love for the country, and strengthen the spirit of unity through an appreciation of past struggles,' he said. Aaron said the ministry also fully supports initiatives like Community Archives and local documentation efforts, including oral histories of the Orang Asli, and the ethnic groups of Sabah and Sarawak, as well as minority cultures — which all help to broaden the nation's historical narrative in a more inclusive and equitable manner. He added that ANM is an active Institutional Member (Category A) of the International Council on Archives (ICA), making it an archival institution with international networks to collectively share and discuss archival matters at the global level. He also extended his wishes for a meaningful International Archives Week 2025 to all archivists, researchers, civil servants, and Malaysians who appreciate the nation's documentary heritage.
