KUALA LUMPUR Feb 19 — The National Archives is collaborating with several archival institutions in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Portugal, and other nations to collect and preserve archival materials related to Malaysia.
Its director-general Datuk Jaafar Sidek Abdul Rahman said the materials, estimated to be worth millions of ringgit, are only available abroad in digital form as the original documents are still the property of the countries concerned.
“They will not make the originals available because these archival materials are treasures for them as well. However, we have had discussions with several countries, such as the UK, and they have agreed to make the documents available to us.
“Nevertheless, we will obtain digitised copies from the respective countries at an estimated cost of millions of ringgit as some of their archives have already been commercialised,” he said after appearing as a guest on Bernama Radio’s Jendela Fikir programme today.
In another development, Jaafar said various activities, including intellectual discussions, have been planned during the Independence Declaration of the Federation of Malaya celebration, scheduled to take place in Bandar Hilir tomorrow night.
A book entitled ‘KarTunku 1957-1963: Lakaran Eksklusif Bapa Kemerdekaan, Bapa Malaysia’ which depicts the struggle of the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj from gaining independence to the formation of Malaysia, will be launched.
— Bernama
