KUALA LUMPUR: Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil will bring a book of speeches by the country's founding leaders to the next Cabinet meeting and place a copy on the table of every minister.
He also plans to raise funds to print another 2,000 copies of Great Wisdom of the First Malaysians by the late J. Victor Morais, which has been reprinted in a limited number of copies that are not for sale.
"I was told by Datuk James Sarda that this book is actually not sold to the general public.
"I am of the view that if we have a treasure of thoughts, expressions and words from leaders we regard as the fathers and mothers of Malaysia, is it appropriate if there are only 2,000 copies of this book?" he said.
He was speaking at the book's relaunch at Wisma Radio, Angkasapuri Kota Media, here. Also present were J. Victor's son, Benedict Morais, and Daily Express chief editor Datuk James Sarda, both credited with the republication.
Compiled by J. Victor in 1967, the book features 100 speeches by leaders of the fledgling Malaysian federation, including Tunku Abdul Rahman, Lee Kuan Yew, Tun Fuad Stephens and Tan Sri Stephen Kalong Ningkan.
Fahmi said he would seek funds for additional copies, with two initiatives in mind.
The first would be a programme in Parliament with Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, timed for the King's speech next year.
"The second, I will also bring this book to be placed on the table of every member of the Cabinet at the next Cabinet meeting," he said.
Fahmi said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim often highlighted the need for the current generation to understand the history and contributions of the nation's founding leaders.
"In the rush to build and to find new futures, sometimes we forget our past," he said.
He said the collection highlighted the need for a national project to locate lost speeches or those kept in archives.
Fahmi said he would discuss with National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang the most suitable steps to take, including the possibility of organising an initiative in conjunction with National Month next year.
He said one of the challenges was to translate the book for younger generations so they could understand the efforts that went into building the nation.
"We will at least start a discussion that should be raised to the national level on the writings and speeches of our founders," he said.
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