SHAH ALAM: The government is seeking to reclaim national artefacts from former colonial countries.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that several efforts have been made to recover these antiquities, but challenges related to costs have arisen.

"These artefacts also include documents kept by former colonial governments, museums, and individuals."

"Further discussion is needed on this matter; the costs could be covered by the government, as well as government-linked investment companies (GLICs) and government-linked companies (GLCs)," he told reporters after launching the History and National Unity 2024 celebration today.

However, he did not specify a time frame or the costs involved in the recovery efforts.

In his speech earlier, Zahid mentioned that the government is considering establishing a national historians council or committee as an authoritative body in the country.

He noted that this council would address distortions of the nation's historical facts that could affect stability, peace, and harmony among the people.

"Officials involved in policy-making must engage historians to understand what has been documented and what has not," he said.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/1107675/govt-seeks-reclaim-national-artefacts-colonial-era