KUALA TERENGGANU, Aug 14 — The spirit of patriotism and self-identity can be instilled in today’s youths through exposure to history and the struggles of previous generations who fought for religion, race and country.
Terengganu Museum director Che Muhamad Azmi Ngah said the determination of the earlier generations should be an inspiration to the youths today so that they can create history which will benefit the country in the future.
“In Terengganu, the people were known as seafarers who very bravely set sail on the South China Sea in big ships they made to trade,” he said.
“At one time, there were thousands of big (merchant) ships in Terengganu which made the ports here among the biggest in the world at that time.
“Visitors who come to the Terengganu Museum will be amazed to see for themselves two big boats on display which are proof of the greatness of earlier communities,” he told Bernama.
The Terengganu State Museum which is located on 23 hectares of land in Losong is the largest in the country and one of the largest in South East Asia.
The museum building which was inspired by the traditional Terengganu home has nine galleries – seven indoors and two more outdoors.
Che Muhamad Azmi Ngah said museums are not just storehouses for artifacts and relics but can also be where the younger generation can be inspired to greatness as they learn from the experience and successes of their ancestors.
He said the objective of museums would not be achieved if people did not get the meaning and history behind the artifacts.
“For instance, the Batu Bersurat was evidence that Islam has been in Terengganu since 1303 when there was already Muslim law,” he said, adding that the Terengganu Inscription Stone Charter was certified as a ‘Memory Of The World International Register (MWIR)’ in 2009 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
“Meanwhile, the collection of keris and other weapons which were used by warriors of old to fight off invaders will inspire a sense of pride in the younger people,” he said.
Similarly, other collections like brass objects where were used for decorative and utilitarian purposes, craftwork, cultural items, songket, silk, batik and the many types of boats will make the younger generation proud of their heritage.
“They can foster unity among the races, as well as instil a respect for the unique cultures, languages, customs of the different races,” he said.
Che Muhamad Azmi added that he hoped the public will visit the museum especially during the National Month and learn about the struggle for independence by previous generations who sacrificed for the country.
Malaysia is set to celebrate its 63rd independence day on August 31.
Source: BERNAMA