MAKE HISTORY A COMPULSORY SUBJECT IN PRIMARY SCHOOL - PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
Tuesday suggested that history be made a compulsory subject in primary
schools nationwide.

He said that it was important for the young to deepen their knowledge about
the country's history and nation-building process.

"This is a must... let's not deprive the children of the chance (to learn
history)," he said when opening Wisma Sejarah, the Malaysian Historical Society
(MHS) building, at Jalan Tun Razak here.

Abdullah, who is MHS president, also said that it was crucial for the
subject to be taught in a more engaging way to attract the interest among the
pupils.

He also said the existing curriculum for the subject should be further
improved and strengthened.

History was important as it could instill patriotism among the young, help
them develop a first-class mind and add value to other branches of knowledge, he
said.

"Although they may grow up to become doctors or engineers, they still need
to know history, the sacrifice of the country's leaders as well as the country's
development. There is a saying that we need to learn from history, or else, we
may end up repeating the same mistakes," he said.

The prime minister also urged government officers, particularly those who
have retired, to record their experience on the various aspect of the country's
history in the form of books or articles for the benefit of future generation.

"Government officers are chroniclers of the nation's history but none would
be able to benefit from them if the historical events remain trapped in their
minds," he said.

He said during the British colonial era, British officers had written books
and articles about the Malays and Malaya but they were written from their own
perspective.

"They (government officers) will be able to contribute to the future
generation by writing articles or books on various subjects," he said.

The prime minister said there were many people outside the country who
wanted to know how Malaysia was able to maintain a harmonious living among its
multiracial populace.

He also commended the efforts by the MHS in making the building a reality
despite the various obstacles facing the project.

Also present were MHS vice-presidents Hishammuddin Hussien, who is
Education Minister and Mohd Shafie Apdal who is Unity, Culture, Arts and
Heritage Minister.

Meanwhile, when asked on the prime minister's suggestion, Hishammuddin said
it should be studied thoroughly.

This would include the scheduling aspect as well as the capabilities among
the teachers to ensure they were committed to teaching the subject in primary
schools, he said.