PETALING JAYA: The lack of recognition for key historical figures like journalist A Samad Ismail in Malaysia’s educational curriculum indicates deep flaws within the system, says constitutional lawyer Dominic Puthucheary.
He said this oversight deprives students of a comprehensive understanding of their nation’s history and its key figures.
Taking part in an event in remembrance of Samad today, Dominic said there is a need for substantial educational reform to address these gaps.
“A few years ago, I attended a seminar at Universiti Malaya, joined by over a hundred Malaysians. When I asked if anyone knew Pak Samad, no one did.
“These are our students, our people, who are unaware of their own intellectuals.
“This is due to a system designed to make us forget our real heroes, promoting their chosen figures instead, and expecting us to appreciate them.”
Dominic said understanding history influences current political and economic decisions, and gaps in historical knowledge can lead to less-informed decisions and policies that do not reflect the nation’s nuanced history.
“That is why I say if you get your history wrong, you will get your politics wrong. If you get your politics wrong, you will get your economics wrong,” he said.
Dominic also highlighted Samad’s crucial role in drafting a “people’s constitution”, saying it remains unacknowledged by the educational system and was overlooked by the colonial powers “aimed at defining citizenship in a way that transcended communal divides”.
“That was a genuine constitution created by the people, for the people, and for Malaysia. Within that constitution, there is a definition of citizenship stating that all citizens are recognised as Malaysians.
“So, if you speak of a social contract, the real social contract among all communities in Malaysia is that we are all Malaysians.
“We all belong to this country, we all love this country, and yet this part of our history is never taught in our schools or universities.”
Samad was born a century ago on April 18, 1924. He died on Sept 4, 2008 from lung infection.
He exemplified the essence of journalistic bravery with his unyielding resolve.
His career started at Utusan Melayu and flourished at New Straits Times, where he left a significant imprint on Malaysia’s media scene.
Through his piercing editorials and meticulous reporting, he championed transparency and accountability, shaping public discourse. - FMT
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