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.
