Queen Raja Zarith Sofiah urges more academic study on Malay civilisation to strengthen national identity, following a visit to the British Library.
KUALA LUMPUR: Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, has called for more in-depth studies on the history of Malay civilisation and its global connections.
In a post on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s official Facebook page, she emphasised that academic research would strengthen the nation’s sense of identity.
“As we plan for future growth and progress, we must also reflect on the lessons from past civilisations,” she said.
Her Majesty noted that numerous research resources are available worldwide, including at the British Library in London.
She added that such studies would deepen the understanding of Malay heritage.
The statement followed her visit to the British Library in the United Kingdom.
During the visit, she was welcomed by Chief of Staff Richard Davies and Southeast Asia Curator Datuk Dr Annabel Teh Gallop.
Head of Asian and African Collections Luisa Elena Mengoni was also present.
Her Majesty was given a tour of the library’s collection of historical Malay Sultanate letters and rare manuscripts.
The collection included documents from the Johor Sultanate and ancient literary works.
Annabel, an expert on Nusantara literature, shared valuable insights into these important materials.
The delegation included Johor state secretary Datuk Asman Shah Abd Rahman and State Islamic Affairs Committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid.
Johor mufti Datuk Yahya Ahmad and Johor Civil Service Academy CEO Datuk Dr Badrul Hisham Kassim were also present.