RTM To Show Contributions By Non-Malays In Independence Struggle. But Why Now?

Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) will show contributions by the non-Malays in the struggle for independence through a series of special programmes soon.

Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin said the programmes included exclusive interviews with non-Malay leaders in the effort to promote racial unity.

The special programmes would be shown in the form of documentaries and aimed at newer generations, he said.

"The new generation don't know much about the contributions of these people. We have many footages on their contributions that have never been shown on television," he told reporters after opening the national-level Quran recital assembly at the Kampung Meraga Mosque in Kijal Sunday night.

Zainuddin said RTM would also air patriotic songs containing elements from East Malaysia. "Presently, the patriotic songs aired are only from the Peninsula and none from Sabah and Sarawak," he said.

At the same time, RTM would also asked drama producers especially the non-Malays to produce dramas involving non-Malay actors and actresses but using Bahasa Malaysia, he said. (Bernama)

***** "We have many footages on their (non-Malay) contributions that have never been shown on television," Lord Zam said. Why was it not shown until now? Is there an unwritten rule or policy that non-Malay participation and achievement should be downplayed or worse, totally ignored? We all know that history as recited and propounded by the government is only half the truth. There is nothing worth mentioning about non-Malays in the official lopsided version of our independence. So if now suddenly Zam wants to telecast their contributions the inference is that something must be coming up soon, perhaps the general elections.

As the 50th anniversary of our Merdeka and possibly the elections draws closer you can be sure that more such patriotic stunts will be seen and the story of our 'struggle for independence' will be milked dry by the authorities.