THE Queen of Malaysia Raja Zarith Sofiah has cautioned against simplistic claims to national artefacts held abroad, insisting that all attempts to reclaim historical items must follow established legal procedures rather than relying on public sentiment.
“It is very easy to use the sentiment that national historical artefacts currently in the possession and custody of foreign parties were ‘stolen’ during the colonial era by various world powers, and therefore should be returned as our property,” Bernama reported Her Majesty saying.
She acknowledged that while some items were indeed taken improperly, many objects now abroad were exchanged or shared historically by previous governments, forming part of a shared heritage rather than stolen property.
“The fact remains that throughout our pre-merdeka historical civilisation, previous governments frequently communicated and shared many things, including souvenirs that have now become shared historical artefacts,” she said in a statement released via the Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar Facebook page.
Her Majesty cited as an example the manuscripts and letters from Malay rulers she saw during her visit to the British Library on 16 December.
These items belong to the heirs of Sir Stamford Raffles, who entrusted them to the library for research and preservation purposes.
The collection includes copies of hikayat, chronicles, and printed works from the British colonial period, all of which were routinely sent to London as part of archival practices at the time.
“For example, if we have letters sent to our ancestors from external parties, would it be appropriate for the heirs of the sender to claim them as their property and for us to hand them over?
“It is evidence of a relationship between two parties and, in a historical context, deserves to be well-preserved,” she added.
The Queen highlighted that the British Library, like other preservation institutions including those in Malaysia, meticulously maintains such artefacts, regulating conditions such as humidity to prevent damage.
“The original copies displayed for the Johor delegation the other day have been meticulously stored, with air humidity carefully controlled to ensure they are not damaged,” she said.
Digital copies of the artefacts are also made available for researchers, allowing broader access while protecting the originals.
“More importantly, they are used to learn about the civilisation of this nation, rather than focusing solely on the issue of ownership of artefacts and documents,” Her Majesty emphasised.
Raja Zarith Sofiah noted that her visit aimed to encourage deeper study of Malay history, ensuring that understanding the past can inform the planning and shaping of Malaysia’s future.
“The basis of the visit to the British Library was to encourage deeper research into the history of Malay civilisation, so it may serve as an example in shaping and planning the future of this nation,” she said. - December 21, 2025
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