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By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Sept 14: Senate president Tan Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar emphasises that the history of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), including significant aspects and events that led to its signing must be taught to the younger generation so that they have a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
Wan Junaidi further stressed the importance for educators to be mindful in ensuring that their students develop a deep knowledge and understanding of the subject, rather than solely focusing on achieving excellent results.
“In order for us to realise this issue, we must be aware of the truth, so the history of MA63 must be known and should be a crucial subject in education.
“Those who know the facts and the core of history will mock us if we do not know the truth, because that history cannot be denied,” he said at a press conference following a special presentation at the International Conference on Sarawak History (PASS) 2023 organised by the the Sarawak Malay Graduates Association (SMGA), which was held at a hotel here today.
He went on to say that the current national education system’s history syllabus is not comprehensive and focuses on facts rather than the true events of MA63.
“I looked into the syllabus from 2018, the syllabus of the Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM), the Malaysian Higher School Certificate (STPM), but I don’t understand.
“In the past, the story of people shooting was shown in history books, but nowadays it is more about facts only, such as Malaysia was formed on 16 September 1963, that’s all.
“What happened before and after that we don’t know. That’s why to overcome it we ask our people to write books and to write a lot.”
Wan Junaidi, who is also former minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law), reiterated that there are still individuals who are influenced by politicians, and that some individuals exaggerate what actually occurred during the formation of Malaysia.
“From the government’s perspective, this is also a mistake, which is why I strongly support the Premier’s (Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) actions to establish our government system.
“I want history to be introduced to our generation because of the matter of MA63 itself, there are still many who do not know the truth,” he added.
Furthermore, he praised the actions taken by Sarawak leaders to raise public awareness of Sarawak’s rights, which were initiated by the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem.
“It’s not that no effort had been made prior to that, but we fear that the Internal Security Act (ISA) law is still in place. Therefore, Sarawak remained silent.
“Therefore, when Tan Sri Adenan is aggressive and forthright, it serves as a follow-up and encouragement for Sarawakians to continue acting,” he explained.
Among others present at the event was SMGA president Datu Dr Sanib Said. — DayakDaily
