KUALA LUMPUR: Local history textbooks persist in presenting incorrect facts, despite the availability of extensive records and sources that highlight these inaccuracies, says a historian.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) History Division Senior Lecturer, Dr Azmi Arifin, emphasised the importance of sources in historical research.
"History must be accurate, depicted with precision and fairness. Many people do not even understand the importance of sources within the discipline of history."
While interpretation is crucial, it cannot exist without sources, Dr Azmi said during the 51st Malaysian History Polemic: The Importance of Sources in Historical Study at the National Archives of Malaysia.
Using the Pangkor Treaty in Perak as an example, Dr Azmi criticised local textbooks for inaccurately describing a 'succession dispute in the Perak Sultanate.' He noted that British sources indicate no such dispute occurred.
"Raja Abdullah only began claiming the throne a year later after being bribed by several capitalists whose names are not mentioned in the textbooks," he said. "These capitalists had their own interests and wanted rights in Larut."
Dr Azmi also pointed out that textbooks mention a civil war in Perak but fail to provide specific details such as the location, date, casualties, or weapons used.
"I don't know where these sources come from. Sources are essential. Without primary sources, opinions cannot be defended. Whether from a scholar or a fantastic book, without authoritative sources, it remains a myth or unsubstantiated claim," he said.
He expressed disappointment that despite the availability of extensive foreign records, local textbooks have not been updated.
"We see a one-way delivery of history in our country where people accept information at face value. History should not be presented unilaterally. Historians themselves do not always agree, so debate and discussion are necessary. Sources need to be shared until people are satisfied," Dr Azmi added.
He stressed that despite the wealth of foreign sources, local textbooks still contain inaccuracies.
"I am deeply disappointed and angry because scholars from abroad have already addressed these issues. Many external sources and viewpoints have changed. Our textbooks are good, but they need to be revised," he said.
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) History Department Senior Lecturer Dr Sahul Hamid Mohamed Maiddin highlighted the need for critical thinking skills. He urged individuals not to accept all information as absolute truth.
"This has become a societal issue. We tend to accept everything from social media platforms like WhatsApp, X, and Facebook as truth," he said.
Commenting on Dr Azmi's presentation, Dr Sahul noted that history involves various perspectives and interpretations.
"Not everything is entirely right or wrong. History is alive with new discoveries and interpretations, even as it discusses past events," he said.
He also pointed out that many discussions about history lack sufficient or authentic sources.
"Our historical knowledge relies on authentic sources. History is closely related to the study of Hadith in Islam, which emphasises the importance of sources and the chain of narrators," he added.