PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on Malaysians to reclaim their nation's history, saying the country's story must be told from a Malaysian perspective rather than through the lens of former colonial powers.
Speaking at the reopening of Fort Cornwallis in Penang, Anwar said the restored British-era fortress should serve as a reminder of the hardships endured under colonial rule rather than as a monument celebrating the colonial period.
He said Penang had evolved into a globally recognised semiconductor hub and continued to enjoy strong economic growth, but cautioned that prosperity alone would be meaningless if Malaysians lost sight of their history and cultural identity.
Quoting American author Mark Twain, Anwar said a city could be modern and prosperous while remaining "culturally barren" if it became disconnected from its past.
"We must build a strong economy, but we must also tell our own history.
"Our story should not be written by Britain, Japan or any other former colonial power. It should honour the people of Penang and the sacrifices they made," he said.
Anwar said Fort Cornwallis should be preserved as a reminder that Penang's future was once determined by foreign powers rather than by its own people.
"Decisions affecting Penang were made in London, Tokyo and elsewhere. The people here had no say.
"That is the lesson we must pass on to our children. Without unity, peace and a strong nation, others will decide our future," he added.
He urged younger Malaysians to look beyond historic landmarks and remember the sacrifices made by earlier generations, including innocent civilians who lost their lives when Penang came under attack during the Second World War.
"They were not soldiers. They committed no crime. They became victims because of decisions made by others," he said.
Anwar also paid tribute to military veterans, members of the Armed Forces and the Royal Malaysia Police for preserving the country's peace and security.
"They gave their blood, sweat and tears so that Malaysia can remain peaceful today.
"It is now the duty of the younger generation to protect that peace," he said.
He called on the Penang government to ensure heritage sites played a greater educational role by teaching young Malaysians the value of freedom, unity and independence.
Anwar stressed that Penang's history did not begin with Francis Light, noting that Malay traders and fishermen, together with Chinese and Indian merchants, had established the island as a flourishing trading port long before the arrival of the British.
"Our founding leaders accepted that Malaysia is a country of many races and religions. They protected the special position of the Malays, Malay as the national language and Islam as the religion of the Federation, while also ensuring every citizen had a place in building the nation," he said.
He also warned against politicians who exploited racial and religious issues for political gain.
"Countries are not destroyed only by war. They can also be torn apart when people keep playing up racial and religious differences," he said.
Also present were Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, State Secretary Datuk Seri Zulkifli Long and Khazanah Nasional Bhd managing director Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir.
Separately, Anwar directed the immediate implementation of initiatives announced during the FELDA Settlers' Day celebration and the agency's 70th anniversary, with particular emphasis on resolving housing issues faced by second-generation FELDA settlers.
The Prime Minister, who is also Finance Minister, said a policy paper would be prepared within one month for presentation at a meeting involving the country's Menteri Besar, Chief Ministers and Premier to allow second homes to be built without delay in FELDA settlements.
"I already issued the instruction one or two weeks ago. If TNB (Tenaga Nasional Berhad) can install the electricity first, even temporarily, that is fine. The state government should also proceed with installing electricity immediately.
"I told TNB not to ask me. I do not want to hear excuses. Roads and water are matters for the state government," he said during the Santai Perantau programme held in conjunction with FELDA's 70th anniversary celebration.
Anwar said implementation decisions had already been made, with TNB responsible for resolving electricity supply issues while state governments had begun addressing water infrastructure.
He also instructed state governments facing financial constraints to seek assistance from the Ministry of Finance to ensure development projects could proceed without unnecessary delays.
On proposed amendments to the Group Settlement Areas Act 1960 (Act 530), Anwar said the Bill would be tabled in Parliament before the end of the year to allow more than one residential unit to be constructed on a single FELDA settler's lot.
"As for the FELDA Act, it takes a little time. I have instructed that the Bill be tabled before the end of this year. But the Act is not the problem because if FELDA, the Federal Government and FELDA management agree, and there are no objections from the state government, several programmes can begin first," he said.
On July 7, Anwar announced seven new initiatives to mark FELDA's 70th anniversary, including RM990 million to refinance FELDA's sukuk financing and write off settlers' debts.
The government has also allocated more than RM1 billion next year to continue supporting FELDA settlers, including measures to resolve long-standing housing issues. - July 26, 2026
