tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299599350082706378.post8316575541009343206..comments2023-10-22T19:24:59.864+08:00Comments on Dr. Chua Soi Lek: Please Protect Our Heritage SitesTan Sri Dr. Chua Soi Lek 丹斯里蔡細歷http://www.blogger.com/profile/12835755672842856035noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299599350082706378.post-35059813379474040132008-07-16T15:10:00.000+08:002008-07-16T15:10:00.000+08:00WHAT NEXT AFTER HERITAGE LISTING BY UNESCO?Georget...WHAT NEXT AFTER HERITAGE LISTING BY UNESCO?<BR/><BR/>Georgetown and Malacca are going to hold a three-day and a month-long celebration respectively to commemorate their inscription as historical cities under UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.<BR/><BR/>It is a privilege indeed to have Malacca and Georgetown, the two historical towns of Malaysia, finally recognised and listed by UNESCO as world heritage sites. <BR/><BR/>The recognition will bring with it many blessings such as increase tourism and business associated with it, financial aid from UNESCO in maintenance of these sites and increased interest in research studies.<BR/><BR/>However, as we preserve these historical sites left by our forefathers, do we treasure, appreciate and preserve also the value and culture of the history that has brought these sites to what and why they are listed today?<BR/><BR/>It is the value of maintaining peace and harmony among the people of many races, cultures and religions who lived and worked together at that time that has made the heritage a rich legacy. It is something transmitted from the past and handed down by tradition to us. It is history. <BR/><BR/>It is meant not only for us to enjoy the heritage but also to learn and treasure what happened in the past. <BR/><BR/>Thus, history is the footprints of our forefathers that cannot be changed. It is through history that we learned the lessons and values that have helped us improve and progress.<BR/><BR/>As our younger generation learn from past events, they also develop an understanding of other’s culture and learn to appreciate one another despite their differences. <BR/><BR/>Thus, as we preserve these historical sites, are we also preserving the history of Malaysia so that it can serve as a purpose to unite the people and expose them to a wider world view in order to develop a broader mindset?<BR/><BR/>Or, are we leading them to a more narrow view and nutshell mentality that they might just lose out in a more competitive world?<BR/><BR/>I have, together with MCA Education delegation, presented a paper to the Minister of Education to request for a review of the history textbook in secondary school which contains many imbalances, incomprehensive and prejudice views. <BR/><BR/>It is indeed timely for the Minister to do a review as the teaching of history in a wrong way is not only going to influence and shape the view and mentality of our future leaders, but also derail the efforts by our forefathers in preserving peace and harmony that has made our nation a great one. <BR/><BR/><BR/>Yours truly,<BR/><BR/>Loh Seng Kok<BR/>Ex-Member of Parliament for Kelana Jaya.SKhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08013030474284305982noreply@blogger.com