GEORGE TOWN: Malaysia must tell its own history instead of allowing former colonial powers to define it, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking at the reopening of Fort Cornwallis here yesterday, Anwar said the restored fort should serve as a reminder of the hardships endured under colonial rule rather than as a celebration of the colonial era.
He said Penang had grown into a world-renowned semiconductor hub and continued to prosper economically, but warned that development would mean little if Malaysians lost sight of their history and cultural identity.
Quoting American writer Mark Twain, Anwar said a city could be modern and wealthy yet remain “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 preserved as a reminder that Penang’s future was once decided by foreign powers rather than 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 added.
He urged younger Malaysians to look beyond historical landmarks and remember the sacrifices of earlier generations, including the innocent civilians who perished when Penang was attacked during World War II.
“They were not soldiers. They committed no crime. They became victims because of decisions made by others,” he said.
Anwar also paid tribute to military veterans, members of the Armed Forces and the police for safeguarding the country’s peace.
“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 said.
Anwar called on the Penang government to make heritage sites more meaningful by using them to teach young people the value of freedom, unity and independence.
Fort Cornwallis is a bastion fort built by the British East India Company in the late 18th century, and was temporarily closed for major conservation and restoration work.
Anwar also stressed that Penang’s history did not begin with Francis Light, noting that Malay traders and fishermen, together with Chinese and Indian merchants, had already established the island as a thriving trading port long before the British arrived.
“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 ensuring every citizen had a place in building the nation,” he said.
Anwar also warned against politicians who sought to exploit racial and religious sentiments for political 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.
Also present were Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, state secretary Datuk Seri Zulkifli Long and Khazanah Nasional Bhd managing director Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir.
