Social Science Research December 2022
Malaysian History Needs Local Writer's Study
BN Lee
Faculty of Psychology and Education
University of Malaysia Sabah
Abstract
This paper discusses the concept of publicizing the constitution under the umbrella of
the Supremacy of the Constitution which needs to be focused on. The concept of
publicizing the Constitution means that society needs to be exposed to the
Constitution not only from the legal aspect, but from the perspective of history,
culture, religion, politics, law and ethnic relations. History books in Malaysia,
including school texts, still focus on the colonial point of view, causing most of us to
fail to understand the story of our own country. This is made worse by the attitude
of a few local scholars who do not try to cite original historical sources but instead
just copy paste and quote the studies of other historical figures. This situation causes
the views and narratives of the colonialists to remain and even thicken in the context
of Malaysian history writing. Most of the history books in Malaysia, including
textbooks, have to bring a post- colonial point of view. Writing about history in
Malaysia started around the 1960s. So, Malaysian history books need to focus on the
narrative of building the Malaysian nation .
Keywords: History book , Malaysian history, colonial narrative
Introduction
All colonial narrative oriented points of view can be changed if we try to make
references from primary sources or historical sources. However, research that cites
secondary sources is another matter because everything has been processed.
Unfortunately that is what happened to the current history writers. Some writers do
not refer to the original historical sources, instead, they get views from other
historical figures. That's what makes the writing of history books in Malaysia involve
a lot of extrapolation elements. In today's practice of history textbooks for example,
learning methods are divided by chapter, while that is not correct. The most
important thing in history is the chronology of time from year to year. History
compiled for certain interests is dakyah.
In fact anyone can gain access to primary historical sources. It is kept in the National
Archives and is written in easy-to-understand language. If one is not even a scholar,
one can simply obtain all these materials and make a comparison. The failure of
some of us to understand the history of our own country until there are major events
that actually do not even exist. It is instead a plus point made as part of colonialist
propaganda. However, it is a pity that such things are learned by Malaysians to the
point of eroding the true face of the country. Examples of emergency events made
by the British on the grounds of destroying the communist rebellion in Malaya at that
time. What actually happened was that the state of emergency was not an effort by
the colonialists to oppose the communists but rather to arrest the nationalists and
religious people who at that time aggressively demanded independence from the
British (Azhar, 2022).
Before 1948, there was no evidence of communists fighting the British. On the other
hand, the British used that reason to blind the eyes of the United Nations (UN). It
was an effort to enable the British to make 'arrests' when their real targets were
1
Social Science Research December 2022
nationalists and religious people. The British also defined the emergency as sending
troops, sending fighter jets and so on. But in history textbooks, emergency is written
as a movement to curb the communists when at that time, the British started the
arrests. These facts are written as history and included in textbooks because we
follow the mold set by the British. Meanwhile, if observed clearly, the existing
textbook is a record to cover the mistakes of the British throughout their colonization
of our country. This is because they were forced to give independence to Malaya
since the 40s.
But the British refused to do so because the wealth of Malaya at that time covered
the wealth of the whole world. Personally he is aware that his point of view may not
be agreed upon and it is not unusual for him to receive criticism and ridicule.
However, identity as a historian makes it necessary to be braver to be honest even if
it hurts. However, based on current developments, it is not impossible that history
books will continue to disappear because lecturers are now being asked to write
articles for journals. Because of that, no history books can be written. Journals are
only read by academics while if a history book is written, the general public will also
buy it and also read it. One studies history to learn that what happened was very
bad so that we can improve our situation today, that is the nature of history. So,
learning and discussing history will not cause dissatisfaction or go to war with each
other. That is wrong, because history is all things that have passed and are used as
a guide so that the same mistakes are not repeated (Azhar, 2022).
Malaysia Day Celebration Nostalgia
The 50s and 60s era fashion theme was chosen to celebrate Malaysia Day 2022 at
the Declaration of Independence Memorial Square in Banda Hilir, this September 16
to liven up the atmosphere and bring back nostalgia when all the people together
celebrated the formation of Malaysia. Director of the Information Department
(JaPen) Melaka, Shahrom Ravin Daram Abdullah said it was one of the unique and
first introduced in the Malaysia Day celebrations, thus it will enliven the celebration
which is expected to be attended by about 20,000 visitors. One can feel that it (the
celebration) will be more lively than the previous celebration. In addition, the
rickshaw that is synonymous with Melaka will also be highlighted at the celebration.
The main invited guests and dignitaries will ride a rickshaw to the main tent
accompanied by antique Vespa motorcycles, old bicycles and a band performance
that will sing songs from the 50s to 60s era. The display of banners written in Jawi
and Rumi, the old spelling, will evoke the atmosphere of the past at the celebration
of Malaysia Day 2022 (Bernama, 2022).
People, especially those living in Malacca and nearby areas, came in large numbers
wearing 50's and 60's era clothing to enliven the celebration which will start at 8pm.
In addition to fashion, the celebration will also be graced with singing performances
by local artists including Datuk Jamal Abdillah, Datuk Nash, Ernie Zakri, Jimmy
Palikat, Anding, Iwere, Kenny Lee and Radhi P.Ramlee. Various performances were
also held to rekindle the spirit of togetherness among Malaysians who have just
celebrated National Day on 31 August 2022. These include the reading of the Rukun
Negara Pledge, the opening performance of Catatan Malaysia, the Signing Ceremony
of the Deed of Proclamation and the Special Performance From the Destruction of
the City of Melaka, We Establish a Free Nation which is divided into four segments.
This performance will be featured in the form of motion, visual and narrator
performances that recall the history of the formation of Malaysia including
monologues, poetry readings, pentomine and infographics. A total of 610 billboards
2
Social Science Research December 2022
and 22 static billboards have been installed in the state since the celebration of the
National Month began on August 1, 2022. The party through the District Information
Office also mobilized the Info on Wheels (IoW) machine to make announcements to
the community and the announcements are increased as it gets closer to the
celebration day. (Bernama, 2022).
The Melaka Information Department is also collaborating with the Broadcasting
Department, the Malaysian National News Organization (BERNAMA) and the
Corporate Communications Division (BKK) of the Melaka Chief Minister's Department
to publicize the celebration by sharing announcements on their respective social
media platforms. In addition, information related to the celebration was also shared
through the WhatsApp group application with 84 Malaysian Family Communities in
the state in an effort to further fuel Malaysia Day 2022 in Melaka. To make this
celebration popular, the public is encouraged to share signs for all national activities
through their respective social media platforms, namely
#KeluargaMalaysiaTeguhBersama, #KeluargaMalaysia, #TeguhBersama,
#HKHM2022, #Merdeka360 and #KKOMM.
Building Malaysia's New Narrative
August 31 brings us back to remind the historic moment Malaysia achieved
independence after almost 426 years of colonization by European powers including
Japan. It has now been 63 years that we as Malaysians have tasted the blessings of
independence. But the question we should ask ourselves as Malaysian citizens is,
what is the meaning and value of these 63 years of independence? This question is
important enough that with the answers we have, we can help Malaysia build its new
narrative, a story about its people who truly understand and express the meaning
and value of independence in an effort to build a life full of well-being. Revealing the
way of independence achieved by our country, from our school benches it is often
highlighted about the greatness of the leaders in trying to get independence, so
much so that no drop of blood was shed to achieve that goal. Independence was
achieved through negotiations between the three races represented by their
respective representatives namely Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Tan Cheng Lok and
Tun Sambanthan. This is the result of a struggle that is reinforced by the nature of
tolerance, tolerance that is very high by the Malay nation, which ultimately resulted
in a significant sacrifice, especially to the Malay nation, which is a partnership.
Meskpiun was freed from the colonial shackles, but Malaya still did not become the
absolute property of the Malays, but also the legal property of the Chinese and
Indians, who were originally invited to come as workers for the plantation and
mining sectors (Ratna, 2019).
A diverse life in terms of a way of life that starts with a way of thinking, is definitely
a big challenge for Malaysia. Efforts to ensure harmony and well-being in diversity
are often the government's main agenda because it turns out that it is not an easy
matter and certainly no country in Malaysia has a history of forming a nation state
like this. One of the efforts that is considered very important for Malaysians today is
to return to appreciate and translate the Rukun Negara into everyday life, as
emphasized by Tun Abdul Razak, the 2nd Prime Minister of Malaysia, when he
headed the National Consultative Council ( NCC), a body responsible for drafting the
Rukun Negara, insists that the secret to the success of the Rukun Negara is the
ability of Malaysians to translate it into their daily lives with honesty and sincerity.
Rukun Negara was introduced following the events of May 13, 1969, a black dot that
is indirectly a manifestation of the fragility of racial unity in Malaysia. Racial unity is
3
Social Science Research December 2022
the main asset of the country and became the main precondition of the British
government to grant independence to Malaya in 1957. Rukun Negara was formed
with a very harmonious purpose. The principles contained therein are clearly the key
to racial harmony and unity for the success and well-being of Malaysia as a whole
(Rohaniza, 2022).
However, almost 63 years after independence, Rukun Negara is still seen as failing to
be a vehicle of unity to form a nation full of values of friendship. In this regard, we
need to understand that the ability to translate it into the lives of every citizen must
come from the will and commitment of all individuals from all races. Accurate
understanding and willingness to practice the five principles that underlie the Rukun
Negara are the basic things needed to ensure that the principles or pillars are
successfully translated into the lives of every individual. Just like the legs of a table
whose job is to support the table, so is the Rukun Negara which plays a role in
ensuring that the lives of Malaysians are in a state of peace and prosperity. If any
leg on the table is problematic, then the situation as a whole is also threatened. In
simple words, weak or strong, peaceful or peaceful life in the aspect of apparent
unity depends on the ability to practice every principle it has with full seriousness
and honesty (Ratna, 2019).
Failure to practice it in daily life makes Rukun Negara just a document of national
ideology and Malaysians as if they have lost their patriotic spirit. Rukun Negara is not
only necessary to know, but more than that, that is, it is necessary to squeeze out
the values that are in it and digest those values in everyday life. Religion through the
principle of Belief in God has become the main foundation in the lives of Malaysians.
This is the main peg that should be the core in the lives of Malaysians who almost all
have religion. Religion can provide guidance on how to be a good citizen. Through
the spirit of religion, the spiritual aspect of a person is successfully brought to life. It
doesn't matter what religion one adheres to, it is certain that the teachings found in
that religion lead to doing good and avoiding any evil (Nazri, 2021).
In the second principle, which is Loyalty to the King and the State, and the third, the
Sublimity of the Constitution, it seems as if this principle is often challenged. For
example, Article 153 is the provision regarding the guarantee of the special position
of the Malays and the children of the state, namely the natives of Sabah and
Sarawak, as well as the legitimate interests of other Malaysian citizens have begun to
be questioned leading to the ratification of ICERD. Similarly, Article 152 of the
Federal Constitution, which stipulates that the official language used in government
affairs is Malay, cannot be a language other than Malay because that is clearly
stated. However, there are groups that have challenged this by using their mother
tongue, for example Mandarin which is a vernacular language for the Chinese only
and cannot be used as a language in official government affairs (Ratna, 2019).
The two principles have not yet been successfully translated. Therefore, it is a great
hope for all races, if the peace, well-being and peace of Malaysia is the main thing
they want, then they have no choice, but to practice it with full honesty. However, if
the will and interests of one's own or a certain group are the priority, this is the
cause of the problem in racial unity in Malaysia (Nazri, 2021).
For the fourth principle which is the Rule of Law and the fifth, Politeness and
Morality, these two principles are seen to have not yet become the practice of
Malaysians. If we are still faced with the number of road accidents that have never
4
Social Science Research December 2022
decreased, this shows that the manners of Malaysians as road users still need to be
improved. Indeed, the decency and morality of a nation need to be expressed in all
aspects of their social life if prosperity, security and peace become the dream of
Malaysians (Nazri, 2021).
Conclusion
The five principles in Rukun Negara must be ensured to stand upright and firmly. If
one pillar collapses, then the situation will be crippled. Likewise, if the other pillars
are successfully practiced, but there are pillars that are tried to be challenged, this is
where the real conflict begins. Therefore, Malaysians have no other choice, but to
appreciate and translate it comprehensively with sincerity and an open heart.
Starting with what is contained in the religious teachings that are held up to the
beauty or art of life through decency and morality, that is through morals expressed,
all the principles contained in the Rukun Negara are a template for shaping the lives
of Malaysians of various races in a state of full prosperity and harmony. This effort
and success will fill a new narrative for Malaysia after enjoying 63 years of
independence.
References
Azhar Shahrulnizam. (June, 2022). Malaysian History Needs Local Writer's Study.
Kuala Lumpur: BH Headquarters
Bernama. (September, 2022). Fashion from the 50s and 60s brings nostalgia to the
celebration of Malaysia Day 2022. Kuala Lumpur: www.merdeka360.my
Nazri Muslim. (January, 2021). The Pillar of the Nation, the Foundation of Unity,
Nation-Building. Kuala Lumpur: National University of Malaysia (UKM)
Ratna Rosida Ab Razak. (2019) Building Malaysia's New Narrative After 63 Years of
Independence. Kuala Lumpur: Solidaritas.
Rohaniza Idris. (November, 2022). Support, Strengthen the Principles of Rukun
Negara. Kuala Lumpur: BH Headquarters
