Kota Kinabalu: Universiti Malaysia Sabah's Associate Professor Dr Mohd Sohaimi Esa said there efforts are ongoing to develop a dedicated Sabah history textbook.
“I was informed by the Sabah Education Department and Malaysian Historical Society Sabah branch about the need for a Sabah History book as supplement to national-level textbooks,” he told a forum held in conjunction with the Sabah Day celebration.
“I am directly involved with curriculum development with Universiti Malaya’s Datuk Dr Danny Wong and we note some conflicts exist in this area,” he said.
“Curriculum content must include Sabah Day information so students understand the State’s independence on Aug 31. This is the primary requirement for educational reform.
“Our younger generation must know that Sabah achieved independence on August 31. This is the first thing they need to understand,” said Sohaimi. He did not say when the book is expected to materialise.
He said there is the common perceptions about history being boring in schools and how students often find the subject tedious and tiring.
“We want to change this. History is the mother of knowledge, meaning it is the foundation for all knowledge fields, whether mathematics, science or geography.
“Every field has its own history, making historical knowledge important across all disciplines,” he said.
He said looking into key historical concepts from local perspectives is also important and suggested reviewing concepts of protection versus colonisation, noting some historical treaties contained deceptive elements requiring revision.
“We need to view our history from local perspectives. As historians, we cannot stand alone unless we have support uniting our ideas.
“We need proper institutionalisation and documentation through existing bodies like Sabah Archives, National Archives Sabah branch and the Malaysian Historical Society Sabah Branch.
“Under State Government coordination, we need to call these organisations together to thoroughly examine our approach and avoid missteps.
“We must collaborate with colleagues not just from Peninsula Malaysia, but also Southeast Asia, ensuring our perspectives are correct and unbiased,” he said.
He also spoke about the importance of distinguishing Sabah Day from Independence Month celebrations.
“Documentation is important for exploring sources and re-examining historical figures like Mat Salleh and other leaders. This ensures accurate historical narratives based on local wisdom from Sabah perspectives.
“Historical journeys must be viewed from Sabah’s perspectives, from its leaders to communities, creating togetherness. This is one way to promote Sabah Day,” he said.
He noted concerns about many young people today being unfamiliar with figures like Tun Mustapha and Tun Fuad.
He said understanding Sabah’s complete historical journey remains essential and this includes periods from the Brunei and Sulu Sultanates through British North Borneo Company rule, Japanese occupation and British colonial administration.
“We need to adapt to digital platforms to attract them. For example, we can organise a TikTok competitions themed around Sabah Day.
“Sabah Education Department must inform schools about including Sabah Day activities within the independence month celebrations,” he said.
“Students aged 18 and above entering higher education participate in Independence Day runs on Aug 31, but we do not emphasise Sabah Day. This reflects our challenge.”“We inherited from State founding leaders’ struggles and must leave this legacy to our children so they understand Sabah Day, our unique civilisation and our significance in Malaysia’s formation.
“Without such understanding, young Sabahans would remain indistinguishable from other states’ citizens, lacking appreciation for Sabah’s unique heritage and equal or superior status.
