All parties are welcome to contribute historically valued artefacts to the National Archives of Malaysia (Perak) in an effort to add and enrich the nation’s history exploration.
According to the Sultan of Perak, HRH Sultan Nazrin Shah, history plays a role in connecting the past, the present and as a compass towards the future.
“Tampering with history in any manner is an unjust, yet intellectual crime, which denies the future generation the rights to actual facts,” he said in his speech during the launch of the National Archive building in Meru today (October 1).
Also present were the Minister of Tourism, Art and Culture, Dato’ Seri Nancy Shukri; State Executive Councillor for Housing, Local Government and Tourism, Dato’ Nolee Ashilin Mohamed Radzi; director-general of National Archives of Malaysia, Datuk Azemi Abdul Aziz; and Perak state secretary, Dato’ Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim, among others.
“Loss of artefacts is a terrible loss. It’s equivalent to a loss of memory, in which there’s no replacement,” Sultan Nazrin added. “A complete set of historical records is extremely crucial in defending the nation and its borders.
“This is why recording, noting and keeping artefacts in the right manner is an uncompromisable responsibility for archivists,” he expressed.
The National Archives of Malaysia in Perak was originally located at the Sri Kinta Building along Jalan Sultan Idris Shah, incepted back in October 1, 1993. In view of its 27th anniversary, the newly built National Archives in Meru was launched today, although becoming fully functional last year.
According to Nancy, some 22,728 records are being kept in the National Archives to date, registered into a computerised archival system and services (COMPASS) application.
“Records include those from Perak state government departments, NGOs, associations and many more,” she mentioned.
Nancy urged researchers and history buffs to make use of materials and facilities offered by the National Archives.
“The National Archives in Perak is ready to collaboratively explore and create new historical records to be published for reference from generations to come,” she enthused.
The National Archives Building is located at the following address: Lot 379228, Persiaran Meru Utama, 30020 Ipoh.
Chris Teh
