Press Conference to Release
the
Research Report on the National Middle School History Textbook
Speech by Datuk Tan Yew Sing, IPPN Chairperson
30th October 2021
First,
let me briefly introduce Inisiatif Pengislahan Pendidikan Nasional (IPPN). IPPN
was established in 2012 and is a coalition of 17 multi-ethnic non-governmental
organizations. The purpose of
its establishment is to study national education issues and provide timely
responses and suggestions to improve the quality of national education. As a
multi-ethnic non-governmental organization alliance, IPPN does not regard
ethnic groups as a boundary, and adheres to the principle of education.
We opine that the purpose of the
history textbook is to provide students with an understanding of society, Malaysia
and the world with a view to cultivating a Malaysian citizen who is
knowledgeable and able to grasp the historical context, with national
characteristics and patriotism. When the new version (KSSM version) of the
history textbook was controversial in the media, it was accused of biased
content and a lack of historical chapters reflecting other ethnic groups. As
such, IPPN specially established a research group composed of scholars and
educators from diverse ethnic groups to analyse the content of the history
textbook and try to find solutions.
The main task of the research team is
to understand whether the new history textbook and syllabus launched in 2017
fully and adequately reflected the historical content of all ethnic groups. Were
the cultural customs, social structures and other historical content of the
Chinese and Indian ethnic groups as well as the aboriginal ethnic group
marginalized? Were the contributions of the patriarchs of the Chinese and
Indian ethnic groups in the founding of the country given due recognition?
We also want to confirm as to whether
the new history textbook is capable of cultivating a new generation with a
broad vision and is able to compete on the international stage. In other words,
is the content of world history in the existing history textbook sufficient? In
addition, we will also explore as to whether the writing of the text is based
on historical facts. Are there still prejudices and discriminatory words that
endanger the thinking of the new generation? The above are the key issues for
the research team to analyse and study, and we will also put forward
corresponding revision suggestions.
We agree with the concept of "Vision
and Consensus: A History We Have Together" (Wawasan & Permuafakatan:
Sejarah Milik Kita Bersama), which conforms to the vision and basic principles
of writing history textbooks. Learning history should not be for the purpose of
examinations but rather to cultivate people with a sense of patriotism and
national identity, and then build a just and united society to cultivate young
generations who can compete on the international stage. To achieve the above
vision, reaching a consensus among diverse ethnic groups is essential.
Therefore, when compiling the syllabus and the content of history textbooks, we
must adhere to the principle of multiple consensus, that is, the content of
history textbooks must be inclusive and cover the historical traces of all ethnic
groups so that no group feels marginalized. Only in this way, "Our History"
will truly be reflected for all to know.
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