IPOH: There is an urgent need to document and preserve the history of the Malaysian Indian community amid concerns that its rich cultural legacy could fade without proper records, says Datuk Seri M. Saravanan.
The MIC deputy president said documenting history was essential not only to reflect the past but also to shape a more inclusive and equitable future.
He said the Indian community played a pivotal role in the birth and development of modern Malaysia.
“Our forefathers cleared dense jungles, established rubber plantations that drove the economy, and laid the foundations of our railways, roads and bridges,” he said in a statement on Monday (April 27) following an event held at the Kinta Indian Association (KIA) hall here on Sunday.
The Tapah MP also voiced concern over growing narratives that question the contributions of the Indian community to nation-building.
He stressed that proper documentation was the most effective way to counter such claims.
“Without records, future generations may question whether Indians truly lived in and transformed the estates they once called home.
“Documenting our presence is therefore an absolute necessity,” he said.
Saravanan also described the KIA as a cornerstone of the community and acknowledged MIC’s historic role in establishing its landmark hall.
He highlighted the association’s achievements in sports, noting that it had produced world-class athletes over the decades.
“To ensure these accomplishments are preserved, I pledge my full support for documenting the association’s sporting milestones through the records of veteran football coach Datuk M. Karathu,” he said.
