24/03/2025

MONDAY | MAR 24, 2025

3 Calls for inclusive history education gaining support

manufacturing sector is seeking a one-year deferment of the planned 2% Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contribution for foreign workers, citing multiple cost increases faced by businesses. Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers president Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai said manufacturers will also face a 14.2% increase in electricity base tariff rates under Regulatory Period 4 from July 2025, further adding to operational cost pressures. “A delayed implementation would offer businesses crucial breathing space to navigate these financial challenges,” he told Bernama. On Feb 3, the government Take on greater roles in progress, women urged KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the wife of the prime minister, has urged women to step forward with confidence and take on greater roles in national development, serving as agents of change for a more prosperous society. The Bandar Tun Razak MP emphasised the need for more women who are courageous, visionary, and wise in leadership, to navigate today’s world. “History has shown that women have played a pivotal role in shaping Islamic civilisation. For instance, Saidatina Khadijah was not only the wife of Prophet Muhammad SAW, but also a successful businesswoman and a key supporter of the Islamic dakwah . “The same applies to Saidatina Aisyah, a renowned scholar and hadith narrator, whose knowledge has served as a reference for generations. “Women are not merely complements; they are leaders capable of driving change, through wisdom and discernment,” she said when officiating at the “Ilmu Madani: Wanita Mukminah Kepimpinan Berhikmah” programme here yesterday. Wan Azizah also presented Aidilfitri donations to 1,000 underprivileged women from across the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur. – Bernama ‘Swift response reduces risks’ KUALA LUMPUR: An efficient forecasting system and swift response to weather changes are crucial in reducing disaster risks, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He expressed gratitude to the Malaysian Meteorological Department for its unwavering commitment to providing accurate and timely weather information, to ensure public safety. “You are the nation’s ‘weather frontliners’, playing a vital role in ensuring that the country is well-prepared to face any eventuality. “May these efforts continue to be appreciated, and further educate the public on the vital role of weather updates in daily life. Keep up the great work, weather warriors,” he said in a Facebook post. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the National Disaster Management Committee chairman, extended greetings on World Meteorological Day 2025, observed yesterday. – Bernama

o Curriculum reforms needed as accurate portrayal of events critical for fostering national unity and appreciating multicultural heritage, say advocates

ethnic

groups

in

historical

PETALING JAYA: A growing call to revise Malaysia’s primary school history textbooks is gaining traction, with educators and parents urging a more inclusive approach to the nation’s past. Parent Action Group for Education president Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim voiced strong support for curriculum reforms, emphasising that revisions should be guided by textbooks from the 1980s, which she described as free from political influence. “Parents will welcome these changes, but they must be rooted in historical accuracy,” she said. She added that the current textbooks place disproportionate emphasis on the history of Malacca, while neglecting the roles of Sabah and Sarawak. “There should be a deeper understanding of East Malaysia’s contributions to nation-building. The experiences of Sabahans and Sarawakians must not be sidelined,” she told theSun . Noor Azimah also said the late historian Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Khoo Kay Kim had previously been consulted by the Education Ministry to review the syllabus, but his recommendations were shelved. She urged officials to reconsider his findings and approach history with an open mind. “The ministry should revisit his work, accept history as it is, and ensure that it remains free from bias. “If mistakes were made in the past, acknowledge them, learn from them, and move forward.” Concerns over the lack of representation of Malaysia’s diverse Ű BY DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

social security systems and the potential for future refinements to ensure a smooth transition for all stakeholders. Soh also expressed hope that if the policy is enforced, the government would maintain the 2% rate for a reasonable period to provide businesses with cost certainty, allowing industries sufficient time to adjust and plan their workforce strategies. UniKL Business School Assoc Prof and Economic Analyst Dr Aimi Zulhazmi Abdul Rashid said the burden of additional cost would significantly impact industries that rely heavily on foreign workers, including construction, food and narratives had long simmered. Educationist Tan Sri Dr T. Marimuthu stressed that a more accurate portrayal of history is critical for fostering national unity. On Feb 24, Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong called on the government to revise primary school history textbooks to better reflect the contributions of all ethnic groups. He had pointed to significant omissions, such as the historical connections between Laksamana Cheng Ho and Malacca. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek acknowledged the concerns, stating that a special committee comprising historians, experts, and teachers is responsible for determining the content taught at various schooling levels. Marimuthu underscored the need to recognise the role of non-Malays in shaping the nation, arguing that their presence in Malaysia was deeply tied to colonial history. “It is a mistake to overlook the contributions of Indians, Chinese, Christians, and others. “Why are they here? When did they come? These are questions that must be addressed.” During the British colonial era, Indians were brought in to develop plantations, construct railways, and clear dense jungles, while Chinese immigrants played a major role in the tin mining industry, he said. Many ultimately settled in Malaysia, shaped by historical events such as World War II, creating the multicultural society seen today. For Marimuthu, teaching students about the struggles and sacrifices of different communities is not divisive – it is essential for

Noor Azimah said there should be a deeper understanding of East Malaysia’s contributions to nation-building and the experiences of Sabahans and Sarawakians must not be sidelined. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

beverage, transportation, logistics, and plantations. With the minimum wage already increased to RM1,700 from RM1,500 in February, businesses are now forced to reassess their costs and may pass these increases on to consumers through higher prices for goods and services. He emphasised that rising costs would affect small and medium enterprises the most, adding to their financial strain. “Their survival is at risk and they will likely pass the added costs on to consumers through price hikes. “This may also result in a rise in illegal workers, as some employers may be unwilling to absorb the building informed citizens. “If students only learn one side of history, how can they truly understand their country?” Despite concerns that expanding historical narratives might face resistance, Marimuthu dismissed the notion that inclusivity is controversial. “There are no challenges. This is knowledge. “This is historical fact. You don’t rewrite history to favour one group,” he said. Calling for a more balanced

increasing financial burden from levies, minimum wages, and EPF contributions,” he said. However, economist Dr Geoffrey Williams believes the EPF contribution will not significantly impact local businesses. “While it would generate around RM800 million for the EPF, this amounts to only 0.64% of its total fund size – a relatively small increase, compared with overall investment.” He added that the contribution would have a neutral impact on the economy, as it merely involves transferring funds from companies and foreign workers into the EPF, without generating additional money or net returns. curriculum, he urged the Education Ministry to include historians from diverse backgrounds in the review process. “Historical facts are not controversial. Children must grow up with the truth,” he said. As Malaysia re-evaluates how it teaches its history, Marimuthu and other advocates are pressing for an educational framework that acknowledges the nation’s rich multicultural heritage. “We are simply repairing what is incomplete,” Marimuthu said.

Manufacturers seek one-year deferment of 2% EPF contribution KUALA LUMPUR: The

announced that foreign workers’ EPF contribution rates would be set at 2% for both employees and employers, lower than the mandatory rates for Malaysian workers and permanent residents, which stand at 11% for employees and 12% to 13% for employers. Soh urged the government to consult the private sector before implementing any future policy changes, including potential adjustments to the contribution rate, particularly for industries reliant on foreign labour. He stressed the importance of clear and transparent guidelines on the mechanics of the contribution scheme, its integration with existing