KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 — Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil today has proposed a national initiative to preserve and revive historical speeches and writings of Malaysia’s founding leaders for future generations.
He said the initiative, inspired by the reprint of pioneering journalist J. Victor Morais’ Great Wisdom of the First Malaysians, could involve retrieving rare speeches, writings and historical accounts from archives.
“I will discuss with National Unity Minister (Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang) to identify the most appropriate steps. If possible, we will work towards organising something in conjunction with National Month celebrations next year.”
Fahmi said this at the launch of Great Wisdom of the First Malaysians – A Reprint of Selected Speeches by Pioneering Journalist J. Victor Morais here today.
Also present were Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, Daily Express chief editor Datuk Sardahthisa James and Victor’s son Benedict Morais.
Fahmi said the collection highlighted the importance of preserving the intellectual contributions and perspectives of the country’s founding figures, particularly at a time when rapid development and the pursuit of future progress could overshadow an understanding of the nation’s past.
The communications minister said the book deserved wider circulation beyond its initial print run of 2,000 copies to ensure its valuable historical content reached a broader audience.
In this regard, Fahmi offered to help raise funds to print an additional 2,000 copies, subject to the agreement of those involved in the publication, and proposed organising a related programme at Parliament next year.
He said he would distribute copies to all Cabinet ministers at Friday’s meeting to highlight the importance of understanding Malaysia’s nation-building history.
Meanwhile, Sardahthisa, also known as James Sarda, said the book provided valuable insights into the aspirations of Malaysia’s founding leaders and the challenges they faced during the country’s formation, making it an important resource for researchers, policymakers and younger generations.
He collaborated with Benedict to republish the collection, originally released in 1967 under the title Selected Speeches.
“For journalists like me, finding speeches delivered by Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Abdul Razak in Parliament is not easy, as record-keeping was different in those days and access to parliamentary records involved various protocols.
“This book is a gold mine for research. It is a one-stop centre containing the speeches of leaders from various backgrounds and their hopes for Malaysia,” he told reporters after the event.
Meanwhile, Benedict recalled that his father was a self-taught journalist who honed his skills through a correspondence course at Rapid Results College (RRC) in London at a time when formal journalism training was not widely available.
The 80-year-old said his father later gained practical experience through on-the-job training, reflecting the determination and initiative that shaped his career in journalism.
Recalling the declaration of independence on Aug 31, 1957, Benedict said he was a 12-year-old student among the 25,000 people who witnessed the historic occasion at Merdeka Stadium, including Tunku Abdul Rahman’s seven resounding cries of “Merdeka”.
He also recalled the strong sense of unity among the people during that period, when they simply identified themselves as Malayans regardless of race.
“We saw ourselves as Malayans…neighbours kept their homes open, shared food and visited one another freely. It was a spirit of unity that came naturally rather than being imposed,” he added. — Bernama