PUTRAJAYA, Sept 8 — The National Unity Ministry, through the National Archives of Malaysia, has set up the country's first National Historians Council, an important and authoritative body tasked with advising the government on historical narrative.
The council, chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim with National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang as deputy chairman, comprises 17 members with a two-year term from August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2027.
The members consist of 10 historians; two archaeologists; two anthropologists and sociologists; and one representative each from the National Unity Ministry, the Higher Education Ministry and the Education Ministry.
Among those appointed were University of Malaya (UM) lecturer (retired) Prof Emeritus Datuk Ahmat Adam; Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin chair of Sultan Zainal Abidin University (UniSZA) Prof Emeritus Datuk Abdullah Zakaria Ghazali; Dewan Kenegaraan chairman Prof Emeritus Datuk Mohammad Redzuan Othman; and the UM Arts and Social Sciences Faculty dean Prof Datuk Danny Wong Tze Ken.
Also appointed were UM lecturer (retired) Prof Sivachandralingam Sundara Raja; Institute of Malay Nature and Civilisation (Atma) director Assoc Prof Asyaari Muhamad; Universiti Sains Malaysia's (USM) Global Archaeological Research Centre director Prof Stephen Chia Ming Soon; and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak's (Unimas) Institute of Asian Borneo Studies (IBS) director Professor Poline Bala.
In addition, National Unity Ministry secretary-general Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid; Higher Education secretary-general Datuk Anesee Ibrahim; and Education secretary-general Datuk Aminuddin Hassim were also appointed.
At today's ceremony, Anwar presented the letters of appointment to 17 members of the National Historians Council.
Aaron, in his speech, said the establishment of the council as an entity that regulates aspects of research, source references, writing, publishing, historical education and advocacy related to the country's history is vital to ensure that the stability, peace, harmony and unity of the country are maintained.
"At the same time, the National Historians Council plays a role in ensuring that the discoveries and contributions of various parties in the history and development of the country are recorded.
"The government's move to establish this council is a strategic national initiative in line with developing a strong national identity that is centred on history, ensuring the accuracy of historical facts in public discourse and education, and providing a professional platform for historians," he said.
According to Aaron, the establishment of the council was proposed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, during the opening of the National History and National Unity Convention last year.
The ministry later referred the establishment of the council to the Cabinet and it was approved on January 24.
Meanwhile, the National Unity Ministry in a statement said the National Historians Council also plays a role in generating new thoughts and ideas to strengthen inclusive national history education, in line with Malaysia's identity as a multi-racial country.
It will also recommend the empowerment of the use of authoritative and integrity-based historical sources in writing of the country’s history.
"The ministry continues to support efforts towards building a historical narrative that reflects diversity and unity, so that future generations can learn the country's history based on authentic and clearly proven facts," the statement said.
