KUCHING: The National Unity Ministry will hold a convention on Malaysia's history in Kuala Lumpur next week, says its minister Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang.
He said the convention would make use of the National Archives' historical records to provide a comprehensive look at the nation's history.
"There are some issues concerning (aspects of) history which need to be emphasised in the school curriculum.
"So we are planning to hold a Malaysian history convention on Sept 19 and we will invite the Prime Minister to open it.
"It will cover Malaysia's history comprehensively because the National Archives has all the relevant information," he told reporters when met at a talk in memory of Tun Jugah Barieng here on Monday (Sept 9).
Aaron said he hoped the convention would result in a better understanding of Malaysia's history among the public and in schools.
"That's why the convention is very important. We see that maybe in terms of content in the school curriculum, it's not comprehensive enough and some parts (of history) are left out.
"We hope that through the convention we can reach a better level based on the historical record in the National Archives," he said.
Aaron also said the National Archives should be better utilised by historians and researchers.
"Whoever wants to do research on history can go to the archives as they have all the resources," he added.
On the Tun Jugah talk, Aaron said it was a signature programme of the National Archives to recognise the nation's statesmen in conjunction with National Day and Malaysia Day.
Tun Jugah was the paramount chief of the Ibans in Sarawak and played an important role in the formation of Malaysia.
After Malaysia was formed, he served as Sarawak Affairs Minister from 1963 to 1974.
"Through programmes like this, we can remember the contributions of our past statesmen, especially those who were involved in the formation of Malaysia," Aaron said.
