Monday, May 9, 2011

Tales On Local Heroes Sought

Kuantan- Tales of local warriors and great personalities should be written or produced in a more youth-friendly manner to appeal to the younger generation.

“There is a lot to learn from the exploits of people who fought to uphold their rights and free the country from colonial clutches but most of the books currently available are too heavy-going and academic.

“There is a need for lighter reading material on these personalities so that young Malaysians are able to appreciate and understand their struggles,” said Sultan Abu Bakar Museum director Ahmad Farid Abdul Jalal.

“This is important as it gives them an introduction to the country’s history,” he said after the opening of a forum on local warrior Mat Kilau, organised by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia here recently.

He said such tales could also be told using modern technology such as audio visual equipment and other high-tech communication tools since the youngsters were well-versed with information technology.

“It comes at no better time than now with the latest development unravelling in the country today.”

In his speech earlier, Ahmad Farid said the stories and adventures of many local warriors were slowly being replaced by cartoon characters such as Doraemon.

It was high time a new and refreshing approach be introduced so the young could learn from the contributions of these warriors, he said.

Ahmad Farid added that Tengku Puan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Sultan Iskandar had expressed her support for projects such as research work on Mat Kilau.

Source: TheStar.com.my (February 10th, 2009)