SHAH ALAM: The government is working to recover national artefacts from former colonial powers.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said while efforts to recover these antiquities were underway, challenges related to costs remained.
"These artefacts include documents kept by former colonial governments, museums and individuals.
"Further discussion is needed on this matter. The government could cover the costs, with government-linked investment companies (GLICs) and government-linked companies (GLCs) contributing part of the funding," he said after launching the History and National Unity 2024 convention today.
However, he did not specify a timeline or the costs involved in the recovery efforts.
Zahid, in his speech earlier, said the artefacts also comprised agreements, official letters and manuscripts.
Such records, he said, were important for research and reference on matters related to the nation's economy, society, security, borders and sovereignty.
"We must take steps to enhance the collection (and) archiving of these historical resources as they are an invaluable intellectual heritage.
"Historical material with research value must be shared not only with society, but also with researchers, policymakers and politicians."
He said historical facts could not be erased due to political differences, and inaccurately preserved facts could be manipulated for the personal gain of certain parties.
Zahid proposed establishing a national historians council to address historical distortions that could impact national stability and harmony.
"Officials involved in policymaking must engage historians to understand what has been documented and what has not."