National Archives urges Malaysians to learn from history

Malaysia’s National Archives says history must be used as a guide for the future rather than left as a silent record, as the country marks 69 years since Merdeka.

Archives hold a wider national record

National Archives of Malaysia director-general Zaidin Mohd Noor said the institution’s role is not limited to preserving government files. It should also help enlighten society and improve public understanding of how the nation was formed.

Alongside official records, the archives collect material from private organisations, NGOs and individuals, and carry out oral-history interviews. Zaidin said these sources can provide a fuller account of events by recording people, decisions and processes that may be absent from the main historical narrative.

Context matters

He said understanding the Proclamation of Independence at Stadium Merdeka in 1957 also means understanding how the stadium was built, its architecture and the people involved in making the event possible.

The National Archives holds about 30,000 files, containing roughly 200,000 pages, relating to the Malayan Union alone. The British-administered system was introduced in 1946 and replaced by the Federation of Malaya in 1948 after strong opposition from Malay political groups.

Zaidin said historical records can show how the country was built and give present-day society a basis for continued improvement. He also acknowledged that the national record is not complete, and said more work is needed to fill gaps and prevent interpretations based on assumptions.

What it means for foreigners in Malaysia

For foreign residents and visitors, Malaysia’s archives offer useful context for understanding the country’s institutions, identity and national commemorations. The emphasis on preserving complete records also reflects the importance placed on evidence and historical context in public debate.

6 September 2026