I refer to “In defence of the realm” (Letters, The Sun, Dec 23) and also several other letters subsequent to the former mentioned. I believe many comments were heightened by racial issues than to facts. Local history book authors are to stand accountable to the contents of the books they wrote; the manner in which one thing is worded or phrased could change a person’s perspective and perception, and this is dangerous when introduced to beginner readers who are prone to accepting what they read without putting much thought to the contents in confidence that the textbooks represent accurate accounts of history.
Facts are to remain as facts and credits need to be given for all national heroes regardless of their origins. One major problem that arises is how school textbooks are written. Another problem annexed is that it is written in Malay language hence, I perceive, lack of scrutiny by foreign historians. As I have sufficiently stressed, the manner a fact is phrased is important. The author’s opinion should be stated to be an opinion than to weaving opinions into part of facts. Taking an excerpt from a Form 3 School History Textbook as example, “... tentera British sememangnya tidak berhasrat mempertahankan Tanah Melayu dengan bersungguh-sungguh kecuali Singapura” is one of opinion attached to factual statements in the whole original text. This immediately highlights the importance of references and footnotes. Unless there are original historical documentations that states this, it remains as a pure opinion of the author and possibly can be considered as a misleading statement. That whole statement should be omitted not just because it brings no factual significance but could possibly be misleading if that is only what the author personally feels is right. If one is to bring dead soldiers back to life, I doubt they will submit to that opinion that they have not fought courageously; they sacrificed their lives! It is also a known fact that the Malaysia has a dynamic economy at that point in time. In my opinion I doubt that the English would have chosen not fight to the bitter ends to safeguard this territory that could profitably flourish and that was obtained with great difficulties and much has been spent on its upkeep and maintenance; their interests are at stake.
It does not matter leaders of which race have fought for this country and those who did should proudly be credited; it is a collective victory over time. It has became an increasing absurdity that race is and has always been an issue whenever a problem arises. I salute the Australian government for openly declaring aboriginal sovereignty. The orang asli here in Malaysia are the first to inhabit the country; the rest are settlers from all other parts of the world! In fact, the history of Malaysia prior to the Portuguese appearance before Malacca in 1509 is for the most part lost in an obscurity pierced occasionally only by gleams of light from ancient monuments and local folk hearsays.
I would like to take the opportunity to comment on the racial classification in this country; is there a need for classification at all? –save only for certain special rights and privileges, food and festive celebrations, there is no apparent need for classification. Cross-racial marriages are increasingly popular and the fact that Malaysia is a home not only to the few main races but to uncountable number of racial assimilation and blood infusion with the locals; Javanese, Indians, Gujeratis, Tamils, Malays, Bugis, Sumatrans, Caucasians, Siamese, Chinese, Sikhs etc. What race are we? -Malaysians! To this type of problem there can be no single and all embracing solution but if the government insists in maintaining such classification of race, such problem will inevitably resurface repeatedly in years to come. Acknowledge facts, not distort it!
