GEORGE TOWN: Malaysia should tell its own history instead of letting former colonial powers define it, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking at the reopening of Fort Cornwallis on Saturday (July 25), Anwar said the restored fort should remind Malaysians of the hardships their forefathers went through under colonial rule, not be used to celebrate the colonial era.
He said Penang had grown into a world-famous semiconductor hub and was doing well economically but warned that progress meant little if people forgot their history and culture.
Quoting American writer Mark Twain, Anwar said a city could be modern and rich but still be "culturally barren" if it lost touch with its past.
"We must build a strong economy, but we must also tell our own history.
"Our story should not be written by Britain, Japan or any other former colonial power. It should honour the people of Penang and the sacrifices they made," he said.
Anwar said Fort Cornwallis should be kept because it tells an important part of the country's history.
He said the fort was a reminder that Penang's future was once decided by foreign powers instead of its own people.
"Decisions affecting Penang were made in London, Tokyo and elsewhere. The people here had no say.
"That is the lesson we must pass on to our children. Without unity, peace and a strong nation, others will decide our future," he said.
Anwar said the younger generation should learn not only about famous buildings but also about the pain and struggles their forefathers endured.
He recalled how many innocent people died during World War II when Penang came under attack.
"They were not soldiers. They committed no crime. They became victims because of decisions made by others," he said.
Anwar thanked military veterans, members of the armed forces and the police for defending the country.
"They gave their blood, sweat and tears so that Malaysia can remain peaceful today.
"It is now the duty of the younger generation to protect that peace," he added.
Anwar also said Penang's story did not begin with Francis Light.
Long before the British arrived, Malay traders and fishermen, together with Chinese and Indian merchants, had helped turn the island into a busy trading port.
He said this rich mix of people shaped Penang and later Malaysia.
"Our founding leaders accepted that Malaysia is a country of many races and religions.
"They protected the special position of the Malays, Malay as the national language and Islam as the religion of the Federation, while also making sure every citizen had a place in building the nation," he said.
Anwar warned against politicians who continued to stir racial and religious feelings for their own gain.
"Countries are not destroyed only by war. They can also be torn apart when people keep playing up racial and religious differences," he said.
He said Penang should continue to set a good example by bringing people together instead of driving them apart.
Anwar also called on the Penang government to make heritage visits more meaningful by teaching young people about the value of freedom, unity and independence.
"When young people visit places like Fort Cornwallis, they should leave knowing not only what happened here but also why it matters today.
"They must understand the price our forefathers paid so that we can live in peace and decide our own future," he said.
Present were Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Deputy Chief Minister I, Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, Penang state secretary Datuk Seri Zulkifli Long and Khazanah managing director Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir.
