TAIPING, July 4 — The National Archives of Malaysia will continue to trace and acquire archival materials located abroad to protect the nation's interests and future generations.
Its director-general Datuk Jaafar Sidek Abdul Rahman said they are not only focusing on the United Kingdom (UK) and Netherlands but also tracking down archival materials from countries that did not colonise the country.
Obtaining archival materials is crucial to completing evidence, including studies and research on demarcation, defending sovereign rights, and verifying the country's historical facts.
"Archival materials related to our country are stored by governments or private collectors in Russia, Australia, France, Italy, and Turkiye, and we will go there in September to establish cooperation regarding archival materials.
"No doubt the UK and Netherlands have archival materials because those countries colonised us. There will be archival materials in India, too.
"However, Turkiye is different; perhaps during the Melaka Sultanate era, there were connections with Turkey. In fact, our research has found mentions of our country in their historical records," he said at a press conference after officiating the 150 Years of Taiping City Historical Talk programme at a hotel today.
Jaafar said efforts to acquire certain materials require a significant financial allocation.
"This year, we are also focusing on cooperation with archival institutions in the UK, but the estimated cost of (obtaining) archival materials is RM1.82 million and will only be obtained in digital format.
"If we were to do it ourselves, we would need to cover travel expenses, purchase archival materials, and hire consultants, which would drive the cost up to RM3 to RM4 million and will take a considerable amount of time," he said.
The National Archives consistently ensures that every historical process occurring in the country is documented because it is a valuable treasure for the country.
"Digitisation is essential in the effort to preserve these treasures, as well as providing the space and opportunities to disseminate information, and serving as a platform for researchers to obtain information on historical matters directly at their fingertips," Jaafar said.
Earlier in his speech, the director-general said the National Archives has been a leader in documenting the nation's history, culture, and heritage through its signature programmes, including Oral History, Historical Narration Council, Historical Talks, and Community Talks, since the 1970s.
These programmes document the experiences and knowledge of individuals who were directly or indirectly involved in historical events, filling the gaps and completing the nation's history so that these events do not fade away with the passing of these individuals.
"As of May 2024, there are a total of 132,489 files and non-file materials related to the state of Perak, with 389 of them specifically about Taiping, stored in the Perak branch of the National Archives of Malaysia, which can be accessed and referenced by researchers and the public," he said.
— Bernama
