SHAH ALAM: Efforts are underway to retrieve historical records about Malaysia which are not in the nation’s possession.
However, the financial allocation set for this was too small, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
“What is needed by the national archives currently is an allocation based on the value of the historical items, still left behind or still being kept by either the former colonisers, museums or being held by individuals,” Ahmad Zahid told reporters after opening the two-day History and National Unity 2024 Convention at a hotel here on Thursday (Sept 19).
Ahmad Zahid added the cost of the historical items may be expensive but it was necessary to bring them back to Malaysia to be made historical evidence.
According to Ahmad Zahid, the need for these historical items and evidence was crucial and these encompassed not just artefacts but many documents that were still in other countries.
On another matter, Ahmad Zahid said the police would look into the GISB Holdings matter from a criminal element whilst the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and the state religious affairs departments would look into the religious practice aspect.
“The third is the welfare aspect under the Welfare Department and this is important to balance out of what has transpired.
“Finally, it is their (the affected children) future, where the Education Ministry or the Higher Education Ministry will have to look at how education, especially TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training), is imparted to them so that they will have a future that is not just tied to what they had gone through while in that organisation,” said Ahmad Zahid.
