KUALA LUMPUR: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said he plans to discuss with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on creating a History-Culture Development Centre Malaysia in Selangor as suggested by national historian Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Khoo Kay Kim.
He said the younger generation was in dire need to be reintroduced to the country's history and culture both physically and interactively, and not only by studying and memorizing it to pass an examination.
"I support Professor Tan Sri Khoo and his association to move forward with this centre and other methods such as improving the educational institution's curriculum on history.
"History is very important. Every subject, even science, needs to have historical elements. If a country forgets its history, it will be destroyed," he told reporters at the Parliament today.
Shahidan also said he would speak to Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali in efforts to provide land for the contraction for this centre.
He hoped with the formation of this centre, Malaysians, especially the younger generation would be interested to know more about the country's historical and cultural background.
He added that it may help create a more harmonious and prosper community as opposed to the negativity experienced by the country now.