Latest news with #MinistryofNationalUnity


The Sun
30-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia proposes national database for museum artifacts to preserve heritage
ALOR SETAR: The Ministry of National Unity proposes that a National Database of Malaysian Artifact Collections be created through a centralised digital system that integrates input from all museums at the federal, state, institutional and private levels. Its Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the proposal is not only technical, but strategic as it will organise a secure preservation of the nation's heritage, in effect to draw a big picture which is the nation's historical identity rooted in the artifacts. 'It will also allow an inventory of the total collection to be regularly coordinated and updated and support digitisation efforts to protect our heritage. 'Regardless of administrative boundaries or institutional backgrounds, we are united in a noble mission to preserve the country's historical identity, revive the collective memory of the nation and ensure that these treasures of the past continue to illuminate the path to our future,' he said. He said this when speaking at the closing ceremony of the national festival of the 2025 International Museum Day here on Tuesday (July 29). According to him, there are currently 232 museums nationwide, comprising 22 federal museums under the Malaysian Museum Department, 63 agency or institutional museums, 103 state and regional (territorial) museums and 44 private museums. However, according to him, records of artifact collections are currently managed and stored separately according to their respective agencies and states. He said this has resulted in no comprehensive big picture of the actual number of artifacts and national heritage treasures in the collections of museums in Malaysia. 'The Ministry of National Unity is ready to lead this initiative together with the Department of Museums Malaysia, supported by a network of strategic partners ranging from state museums and local governments to institutions of higher learning and private industry players. 'With strong synergy, we will not only preserve our heritage but also build bridges of unity, cultivate understanding and strengthen the roots of a pluralistic and harmonious nation,' he said. - Bernama


The Sun
29-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
Museums transform into learning, social hubs in Malaysia
BALING: Museums are no longer just repositories of artefacts but have evolved into dynamic centres for learning and social engagement, according to Deputy Minister of National Unity K. Saraswathy. Speaking at the Kembara Ilmu Jom Gi Baling community outreach event, she emphasised the shift towards community-based museum management, where public participation plays a key role. 'Through this approach, the community is not merely visitors but also strategic partners in the research, preservation, conservation and development of exhibition content and museum activities,' Saraswathy said. The event, held at Dusun Tok Wak, was part of the national-level International Museum Day Festival. She highlighted that museums serve as collaborative platforms between institutions and the public, fostering a sense of ownership. 'History, heritage, and culture are powerful tools in shaping national identity and strengthening unity among the multiracial Malaysian society,' she added. The community-based museum concept strengthens public involvement in safeguarding cultural heritage, ensuring that local traditions and histories are valued. Saraswathy noted that this approach also promotes intergenerational knowledge exchange, allowing communities to contribute to museum programmes. 'The community-based museum approach not only strengthens the relationship between cultural institutions and the public but also helps preserve the identity of communities often sidelined from the mainstream,' she said. The Kembara Ilmu Jom Gi Baling programme, organised by the Ministry of National Unity and the Department of Museums Malaysia, featured activities such as visits to Gua Sireh and the Baling Negotiation Gallery, along with food basket distributions to the Kensiu Orang Asli community and asnaf individuals. – Bernama


The Sun
28-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Anak Merdeka Malaysia initiative boosts patriotic spirit for National Day
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of National Unity, through the National Archives of Malaysia (ANM), has launched the 'Anak Merdeka Malaysia' initiative to strengthen patriotic sentiment ahead of this year's National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations. The programme recognises Malaysians born on August 31 (Independence Day) and September 16 (Malaysia Day) as symbols of the nation's unity and historical struggle. Minister of National Unity Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang emphasised that the initiative goes beyond birthday celebrations, serving as a reminder of national identity. 'Through 'Anak Merdeka Malaysia', we are not only celebrating their birthdays, but also uniting the voices of the people under one national identity. This is the true face of Malaysia MADANI – a nation that honours its history, nurtures hope, and unites its people,' said Aaron. Registration is open to all Malaysians born on these dates, regardless of age, ethnicity, or background. Successful applicants will participate in national-level celebrations, receive commemorative gifts, and be acknowledged as symbolic national heroes. The ministry encourages Malaysians to share the initiative widely, ensuring broader participation. Registration is accessible via QR code on promotional posters or through the official link: - Bernama

Barnama
28-07-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Ministry Launches ‘Anak Merdeka Malaysia' Initiative To Boost Patriotic Spirit
KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) – The Ministry of National Unity, through the National Archives of Malaysia (ANM), has introduced the 'Anak Merdeka Malaysia' initiative to ignite patriotic spirit in conjunction with this year's National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM) celebrations. In a statement today, the ministry said the programme also aims to honour Malaysians born on two of the nation's most historic dates – August 31 and September 16 – as a symbol of the country's struggle, independence and unity. Minister of National Unity Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said in the statement that the initiative is not merely about celebrating birthdays, but also about recognising the profound meaning those dates hold in strengthening national identity and patriotism. 'Through 'Anak Merdeka Malaysia', we are not only celebrating their birthdays, but also uniting the voices of the people under one national identity. 'This is the true face of Malaysia MADANI – a nation that honours its history, nurtures hope, and unites its people,' said Aaron. According to the ministry, registration is now open to all Malaysian citizens who share a birthday on either of these two historic dates, regardless of background, age or ethnicity. The statement added that those who register will be given the special opportunity to take part in various activities during the official national-level celebrations, receive commemorative gifts, and be honoured as symbolic national heroes representing the spirit of Malaysian unity. 'The Ministry of National Unity calls on all Malaysians to help spread this information to family members, friends and local communities, so that more people can be celebrated as part of the Merdeka legacy. 'This is our chance as citizens to strengthen patriotism through inclusive and meaningful participation,' the statement said.


The Sun
26-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
National Unity Ministry proposes 21 initiatives for 13MP in Malaysia
SIBU: The Ministry of National Unity has put forward 21 proposals for inclusion in the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), aiming to strengthen national cohesion through sustainable initiatives. National Unity Minister Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang highlighted that the proposals prioritise the Pembinaan Negara Bangsa initiative, aligning with the ministry's long-term unity goals. 'Nation-building is crucial for Malaysia as a multi-racial and multi-cultural country. It must be formulated comprehensively so that the unity we build will be long-lasting,' he said. His speech was delivered by Deputy Minister Senator Saraswathy Kandasami at the Sarawak-level Unity Week (SMP) 2025 launch in Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang. The event saw participation from key officials, including Ministry secretary-general Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid and Sarawak JPNIN director Diwarna Azool. Aaron added that the ministry is developing a framework to foster a unified national identity. The SMP 2025 celebration, running from July 25 to 27, featured unity-themed activities such as traditional sports, aerobics, and cultural exhibitions. Government agencies and departments also showcased initiatives promoting interracial dialogue and youth engagement, reinforcing Sarawak's diverse community spirit. - Bernama