Fahmi proposes initiative to preserve speeches, writings of Malaysia’s founding leaders

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 — Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has proposed a national initiative aimed at preserving and reviving historical speeches and writings of Malaysia's founding leaders for future generations. The idea, inspired by the reprint of J. Victor Morais' Great Wisdom of the First Malaysians, could involve locating rare speeches, writings, and historical accounts from archives.

Fahmi plans to discuss the initiative with National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang to determine the best course of action. If successful, the proposed project could coincide with National Unity Month celebrations later this year.

The collection, which includes speeches by pioneers such as Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Abdul Razak, highlights the importance of preserving Malaysia's intellectual contributions and perspectives. Fahmi believes the book should be made widely available beyond its initial print run of 2,000 copies. He has offered to help raise funds to print an additional 2,000 copies, provided all involved agree.

Fahmi also plans to distribute copies to all Cabinet ministers during a meeting on Friday to emphasize the significance of understanding Malaysia's nation-building history.

Sardahthisa James, editor-in-chief of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), and Benedict Morais, son of J. Victor Morais, praised the book as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and younger generations. Sardahthisa explained that finding such speeches from Malaysia's founding leaders is challenging due to different record-keeping methods in the past.

Benedict added that his father was a self-taught journalist who gained practical experience through on-the-job training, reflecting the determination and initiative that shaped his career in journalism.