KUALA LUMPUR: A government backbencher has proposed to include milestone events such as Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's 1998 sacking from the government as well as the Bersih rallies in the History syllabus for schools.
Mohd Sany Hamzan (PH-Hulu Langat) said this would expose the newer generation to more recent historical events, in addition to learning about national leaders who helped Malaysia achieve independence and progress.
"The modern political landscape should be (taught). This includes the sacking of Anwar and the birth of the Reformasi movement in 1998 alongside the Bersih rallies, which can be part of a module on elections in the country.
"The same goes for the Sheraton Move and also about the Internal Security Act," he suggested during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Feb 11).
Anwar, who is now Prime Minister, was sacked as deputy prime minister by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 1998.
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said in reply that drafting a relevant and balanced historical curriculum is done through a transparent process involving historians, academicians as well as institutions such as the National Archives.
Engagements with educators, communities and also professional bodies are also carried out to ensure the content remains relevant and accurate.
"All matters related to the curriculum must undergo a process," he said.
Wong also stressed that the curriculum must be balanced and free from any political narratives, noting that this is the stance taken by the ministry.
"Each curriculum is used for a certain period of time. A review will be carried out when needed but the ministry will ensure that it is aligned with the national education philosophy," he said.
