Heritage: History, culture are our strengths

Heritage: History, culture are our strengths
2011/06/02

letters@nst.comShare |

Read more: Heritage: History, culture are our strengths http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/19tage/Article/#ixzz1Owcsk9TJ

EVERY Malaysian should support Malaysia's bid to become a member of the Unesco World Heritage Committee.
Our success in the preservation of World Heritage sites is well reflected in the 1Malaysia spirit that encompasses unity in diversity.

Malaysia has been an important trade and cultural exchange centre since ancient times because of her strategic location.


The Bujang Valley historical site in Kedah provides ample evidence of the country's role as a trading centre in ancient times.


In those days, traders from China, India, Persia and Greece came on junks and ships during the two monsoon seasons.

The Bujang Valley civilisation is mentioned in the ancient texts of China, India, Persia and Greece. It should be further promoted.


The Kristang language spoken by the descendants of the Portuguese in Malacca is another heritage that we can be proud of.

The Kuala Lumpur railway station is said to be the oldest railway station in Asia and deserves to be well maintained.

Chinese villages in Malaya that were set up during British times are also unique. The existence of these villages are important because they enabled the Chinese to contribute to the economic growth through tin mining and rubber tapping.


The Minangkabau traditional houses found in Malaysia are not only unique in their design, but also reflect the value and wisdom of the race.

Many think that Ferdinand Magellan was the first to circumnavigate the world. Magellan died two weeks before the team did that and it was Panglima Awang, his assistant, a Malay from Malacca, who took over the role to accomplish the goal.

The success of Panglima Awang is a source of inspiration for the younger generations to work harder and excel in their undertakings.

The longhouse in Sarawak perhaps is one of earliest forms of condominiums where people share resources and work together for the benefit of the community.

Sabah and Sarawak have many ethnic groups with diverse cultures that should be preserved.

Malaysia can, therefore, play an important role in the preservation of world heritage.

GOH HOE HOE, Kepong, Selangor

http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/19tage/Article/