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The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Virtual tours offer access to statesmen memorial in KL
TUCKED away on a hill in Kuala Lumpur along Jalan Dato Onn is Memorial Negarawan. The building was previously the office of the prime minister, which is now in Perdana Putra, Putrajaya. Today, it is a solemn homage to seven visionary statesmen whose dedication shaped modern Malaysia. They include Tun VT Sambanthan and Tun Tan Cheng Lock, who – together with Tunku Abdul Rahman – are regarded as the founding fathers of Malaysia. The others are Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman (former deputy prime minister) and Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu (longest-serving Penang chief minister). The memorial also highlights the contributions of three Malaysian leaders from Sabah and Sarawak. They are Tun Fuad Stephens (Sabah's first chief minister) Tun Datu Mustapha Datu Harun (Sabah's third chief minister) and Tun Temenggung Jugah anak Barieng (Sarawak's representatives who signed the Malaysia Agreement in London on July 9, 1963). Collectively they represent the diverse ethnic and regional tapestry of Malaysia. Their contribution was pivotal to the journey towards independence in 1957 and the formation of Malaysia in 1963. The memorial, spread across three levels, invites visitors into seven distinct galleries, each dedicated to one statesman. Here, history comes alive through original documents, personal artefacts, evocative photographs and private memorabilia, offering a nuanced view of their public and personal battles and triumphs. Walking through the building feels like stepping into a time machine. Aside from the original prime minister's office, it also houses the old Cabinet meeting room retained as the main exhibition. Memorial Negarawan is more than a static display, as it plays a crucial role in actively preserving and perpetuating the legacies of these leaders. The old prime minister's office. By making their stories and personal collections accessible, it aims to inspire a collective national identity rooted in unity and sacrifice. While Malaysian museums grapple with future-proofing heritage, Memorial Negarawan stands as a poignant testament to the enduring power of remembrance and its crucial role in educating citizens about the nation's birth. All collections are meticulously conserved to international archival standards, safeguarding these national treasures for posterity. Recognising the need to connect with a new generation, the National Archives of Malaysia, which manages the memorial, has embraced the digital age. In 2021, they launched eNegarawan ( an innovative 360° virtual tour portal. This platform provides immersive access to Memorial Negarawan and nine other memorials under the National Archives, allowing youths to explore Malaysia's rich heritage from anywhere, at any time, using their smart devices. 'Through interactive exhibits, videos and digital artefacts, eNegarawan makes the values of unity, sacrifice and patriotism embodied by these statesmen relevant and engaging for young Malaysians. 'It is a powerful example of how technology can bridge the past and present, ensuring that the foundational stories of Malaysia continue to inspire,' said the National Archives. Memorial Negarawan, under the stewardship of the National Unity Ministry and the National Archives through the Statesmen Archives Division, implements a wide range of programmes and initiatives designed to engage diverse audiences, including schoolchildren, researchers and international visitors. Among the key programmes are 'Bicara Negarawan', a series of talks and seminars featuring experts and historians who discuss the lives and contributions of the statesmen. This initiative provides an invaluable platform for knowledge exchange and encourages critical engagement with Malaysia's political history. The memorial also organises guided tours tailored for schools, researchers and general visitors, offering immersive experiences that bring the stories and artefacts within the galleries to life. Across from Memorial Negarawan are the Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Hussein Onn memorials, standing out for their dedicated focus on two of Malaysia's influential founding figures.
Daily Express
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Use national archives' materials for learning, teaching: Aaron
Published on: Tuesday, May 06, 2025 Published on: Tue, May 06, 2025 Text Size: Aaron (left) looking at materials at the Archives @ Schools programme at SM St Mary. SANDAKAN: Materials in the National Archives of Malaysia's collection can serve as valuable teaching and learning resources in educational institutions, including for the Archives @ Schools Programme, said National Unity Minister Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang. He said the National Archives houses a wealth of historical materials that can be authentic reference sources, particularly for school-level education. In this regard, he said the Archives @ Schools Programme can provide a platform for students to engage with history in a more interactive, creative and meaningful way, helping to foster a stronger sense of identity among young Malaysians. He said the programme encourages students to learn, ask questions and explore the nation's history with open hearts and minds. 'This programme is one of our efforts to reintroduce and strengthen the role of history at the school level. Since history is already a core subject in schools, we plan to expand this initiative to more schools nationwide,' he said at a media conference after opening the Archives @ Schools Programme at Sekolah Menengah St Mary, here, which was also attended by the National Archives Director-General Datuk Jaafar Sidek Abdul Rahman. Aaron Ago also expressed hope that the National Archives would collaborate with the Ministry of Education to further expand the implementation of the Archives @ Schools Programme nationwide. Meanwhile, Jaafar Sidek said the agency had digitised over 11 million documents, which are now accessible online. 'We provide opportunities for the public, including students and educators, to access these valuable materials. They can visit the official National Archives of Malaysia website to explore the resources available,' he said. Commenting on the Archive @ Schools Programme, he said, the National Archives would also assist schools in gathering historical materials, including school magazines that could be preserved as part of the archival collection. He said the programme would be extended to schools in Kedah and Kelantan. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
05-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Nurture patriotism from schooling years, says Unity Minister
KOTA KINABALU: Bringing national history closer to students is a vital step towards building a united and patriotic Malaysia, says National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang. He said the Arkib@Sekolah programme, spearheaded by the National Archives of Malaysia, plays an important role in using archival materials as educational tools to instil national identity and appreciation of heritage among youth. 'This is our effort through the National Archives to revive awareness of our nation's history in schools. While the subject is already part of the curriculum, this programme expands the government's efforts. 'For us at the Unity Ministry, the most important thing is to instil patriotism and love for the country, and that must start in schools,' he said during the programme's launch at SM St Mary in Sandakan on Monday (May 5). Aaron said history is a powerful medium for fostering unity among Malaysians of all races, religions and backgrounds. By understanding history and embracing it as an active educational tool, society strengthens its sense of identity and the bonds that hold it together, he added. 'This programme also aligns with the Madani government's objective of building a strong foundation for social integration within a multicultural society.' He said the Malaysia Madani concept reflects core values such as discipline, mutual respect and acceptance of diversity. 'It means we have progressed, we are disciplined, and we respect each other's race and religion. That leads us to unity,' he said. He also acknowledged the role of teachers as key facilitators in delivering the values of history and unity to students, saying their contribution is crucial in shaping a patriotic generation. Aaron urged students to appreciate the nation's past and not take the sacrifices of earlier generations lightly. 'You are the future custodians of this country. Be curious, ask questions, and explore our shared history with an open heart and mind,' he said. The Arkib@Sekolah programme, themed 'Bermulanya Di Sini' (It Begins Here), kicked off in Sabah and will be extended to schools in Kedah and Kelantan in July and August. National Archives director-general Datuk Jaafar Sidek Abdul Rahman said schools were encouraged to establish archive corners through their history clubs as a way to document and preserve their legacy. 'If a school doesn't collect materials related to its own history, that history will be lost. We will help guide schools to start collecting archival materials,' he said. He added that the Archives currently holds 81 items related to the Rukun Negara, including official files, photographs, newspaper clippings and publications, which can serve as authentic teaching materials in schools. The Rukun Negara, Malaysia's national philosophy, was introduced following the May 13, 1969 racial riots. It was formulated by a national consultative council led by Tun Abdul Razak Hussein to foster unity and national identity through shared aspirations and principles. Aaron hopes the programme will expand to more schools nationwide, becoming an effective platform to instil unity and patriotism while raising a generation that is historically aware and proudly Malaysian.
The Sun
05-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Utilise materials at national archive for teaching and learning in schools
SANDAKAN: Materials in the National Archives of Malaysia's collection can serve as valuable teaching and learning resources in educational institutions, including for the Archives@Schools Programme, said National Unity Minister Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang. He said the National Archives houses a wealth of historical materials that can be authentic reference sources, particularly for school-level education. In this regard, he said, the Archives@Schools Programme can provide a platform for students to engage with history in a more interactive, creative, and meaningful way, helping to foster a stronger sense of identity among young Malaysians. He said the programme encourages students to learn, ask questions, and explore the nation's history with open hearts and minds. 'This programme is one of our efforts to reintroduce and strengthen the role of history at the school level. Since history is already a core subject in schools, we plan to expand this initiative to more schools nationwide,' he said. He said this at a media conference after opening the Archives@Schools Programme at Sekolah Menengah St Mary here today, which was also attended by the National Archives Director-General Datuk Jaafar Sidek Abdul Rahman. Aaron Ago also expressed hope that the National Archives would collaborate with the Ministry of Education to further expand the implementation of the Archives@Schools Programme nationwide. Meanwhile, Jaafar Sidek said the agency has digitised over 11 million documents, which are now accessible online. 'We provide opportunities for the public, including students and educators, to access these valuable materials. They can visit the official National Archives of Malaysia website to explore the resources available,' he said. Commenting on the Archives@Schools Programme, he said, the National Archives would also assist schools in gathering historical materials, including school magazines, that could be preserved as part of the archival collection. He said the programme will be extended to schools in Kedah and Kelantan.
Daily Express
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Utilise materials at National Archives for teaching and learning in schools
Published on: Monday, May 05, 2025 Published on: Mon, May 05, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Aaron reads the Malaysia Proclamation at the programme. - fotoBERNAMA SANDAKAN: Materials in the National Archives of Malaysia's collection can serve as valuable teaching and learning resources in educational institutions, including for the Archives@Schools Programme, said National Unity Minister Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang. He said the National Archives houses a wealth of historical materials that can be authentic reference sources, particularly for school-level education. In this regard, he said, the Archives@Schools Programme can provide a platform for students to engage with history in a more interactive, creative, and meaningful way, helping to foster a stronger sense of identity among young Malaysians. He said the programme encourages students to learn, ask questions, and explore the nation's history with open hearts and minds. "This programme is one of our efforts to reintroduce and strengthen the role of history at the school level. Since history is already a core subject in schools, we plan to expand this initiative to more schools nationwide," he said. He said this at a media conference after opening the Archives@Schools Programme at Sekolah Menengah St Mary here today, which was also attended by the National Archives Director-General Datuk Jaafar Sidek Abdul Rahman. Aaron Ago also expressed hope that the National Archives would collaborate with the Ministry of Education to further expand the implementation of the Archives@Schools Programme nationwide. Meanwhile, Jaafar Sidek said the agency has digitised over 11 million documents, which are now accessible online. 'We provide opportunities for the public, including students and educators, to access these valuable materials. They can visit the official National Archives of Malaysia website to explore the resources available,' he said. Commenting on the Archives@Schools Programme, he said, the National Archives would also assist schools in gathering historical materials, including school magazines, that could be preserved as part of the archival collection. He said the programme will be extended to schools in Kedah and Kelantan. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
