cheahsoonhai

Gerakan agrees that new historical narrative needed to unite nation

Cheah Soon Hai: Review of History syllabus must be open to all historians

 
 

Press statement by

Gerakan Deputy President

Dr Cheah Soon Hai

 
 

18 December 2013

 
 

The view made by Former Deputy Prime Minister Tun Musa Hitam calling for a new historical narrative to unite the various races in the country after noticing that racial fragmentation within the country, has worsened because the different ethnic groups disputed each other's interpretations of the nation's history has drawn a response from Gerakan Deputy President, Dr Cheah Soon Hai. He agreed that the current History syllabus taught in school is different from the past syllabus as it centered on just the major ethnic and religious group in Malaysia forgetting or omitting the efforts of other ethnic and religious groups in the struggle of liberating and growing Malaysia.

 
 

 "The current syllabus is akin to downplaying the contributions of other races towards the building of this nation causing inevitable racial polarisation and unnecessary hurt."

 
 

Dr Cheah said that since History is now a compulsory subject, the government must seriously look into the problems faced in order for a new syllabus which is fair and unbiased. He pointed out that past contributions made by other races must never be neglected in order for the country to achieve real unity and adhere the 1Malaysia concept.

 
 

 "I think that Tun Musa Hitam's statements spot on as it accurately portrays the public concern with the current History syllabus." added Dr Cheah who also praised Tun Musa for his honesty.The historical must be high quality,inclusive,honest,trustworthy,accurate and just.

 
 

Dr Cheah finally said that during the review of the History syllabus, it must not only be done by the Education Ministry but to open it to historians from the various races to have a complete view. He pointed out the country was build among the diversity leaders and the public must recognise and respect the difficulties trying to impose a uniform identity under the pretest of unity

 
 

 "Since History is an important subject that offers reference to the national identity, it must be holistic and not confined to the views of only one community. By opening the discussion to other academicians from different backgrounds, will we gain a more complete understanding on how others think and ensure that the History our children learn in school is not skewered."