KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today reminded Malaysians not to discard positive values while pursuing progress and development.
He said because of the need to keep up with modernisation, it seemed that Malaysians were incapable of holding steadfastly to values, customs and cultures.
“We actually allow ourselves to be trapped in the advances in the digital and automation era. We don’t seem to be able to assimilate the good values when we have to chase modernity just because we don’t want to be left behind.
“In truth, such positive values should not be a barrier while we are chasing modernisation. In fact, it would ensure that we are successful while holding on to one’s humanitarian values, customs and culture.
"The cultural traditions and customs which we had honed through the ages have cut across time. Many of our successful people are those who had held on to this practice,” he said.
Dr Mahathir said this at the launch of the National Culture and Heritage Charter held at the Islamic Art Museum Malaysia, here, today.
The programme was organised by Yayasan Al Bukhary, in collaboration with Yayasan Budi.
Present were the chairman of Yayasan Budi, Tan Seri Dr Rais Yatim and the founder of Yayasan Al Bukhary, Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al Bukhari.
The charter was established based on the resolution adopted at the Cultural Congress in 1971 as well as Culture Congress which was held in 2017.
Dr Mahathir said the government aims to preserve the people’s diverse customs and lifestyles.
As such, he said ancient civilisation, history, the evidence of people’s struggle from the past were important enough to warrant research and evaluation, so that people can learn from them.
“We often hear sayings such as history repeating itself but we are less aware of the historical implications which are misunderstood and misused.
"As such, this charter is an important effort and should be given full support by all parties," he said.
“We often hear complaints that the present generation is being carried away by modernisation to the detriment of humanitarian values, customs and cultures.
"As a result, some of us don’t behave in a civilised manner and step out of the confines of religion,
“I hope this charter will take us yet another step towards achieving a higher cultural standing,
including the preservation of the Malay culture.
“Hopefully this charter will also aid in promoting Bahasa Melayu as the national language”.
Dr Mahathir also called for historical research, specifically in archeology to be further expanded.
At the same time, he wanted the private sector to play a bigger role in supporting local university’s in the field of archeology.
"We already have the National Heritage Act 2005 and posses archaeological research at the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Additional activities must also be undertaken." he said.