PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s pursuit of technological advancement and artificial intelligence (AI) must not come at the expense of history, culture and literature which form the pillars of civilisation, says the Prime Minister.
As such, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said efforts to boost the understanding of history among youths and inculcating the spirit of patriotism must be enhanced.
“Our challenge is how the country can build a national narrative that overcomes existing barriers, a narrative that strengthens historical awareness and literacy among our youth and the public at large,” he said at the launch of the National Historians Council here yesterday.
The council stands to ensure that discoveries and contributions of various parties in the history and development of the nation are properly documented.
It also aims to strengthen the accuracy of historical facts in public discourses and the education system.
Anwar said as the country pushes forward, the people should also appreciate moral values and the nation’s history.
“In supporting Malaysia’s high ambition to become a leader in strength through digital transformation and AI, I always stress that there must be inner strength.
“Our future generations must be trained in various disciplines including history, culture, language, religion, and above all, good values,” he said.
The Prime Minister said a civilisation could not stand on technology alone.
“It must be upheld by culture, history and by values of excellence.
“And the civilisation we seek to build is not just any civilisation, but a Malaysian civilisation.
“The vision of Madani must ensure that our values, our perspectives and our identity are deeply lived and appreciated,” he added.
Anwar said history must also be taught with regard to ethics and morality.
“But it must not deviate from the truth and integrity of history.
“Our role is to truly present data so that history becomes empirical. Because I see that sometimes discussions in the country today, focusing on digital, AI, semiconductors and new technologies, often leave behind the role of history,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the creation of the council was an important step to ensure history education was fact-based, adding that it would also serve as an advisory body to the government on related issues.
The council, chaired by Anwar, will comprise 10 historians, two archaeologists, two anthropologists and sociologists, and three representatives from the National Unity Ministry, Higher Education Ministry and Education Ministry.
The membership of the council is for a period of two years, from Aug 1, 2025 to July 31, 2027.
The members include Senator Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Mohammad Redzuan Othman, Prof Datuk Dr Danny Wong, Prof Dr Sivachandralingam Sundara Raja, Prof Datin Dr Mahani Awang @ Musa, Prof Dr Mohd Samsudin, Prof Dr Lee Kam Hing and Prof Dr Bilcher Bala.
