'Restoring voices': Historian uncovers Malaysia's 'silenced' past
Ayesha Sheik Mazrul & G Vinod
Published: Dec 21, 2025 7:00 AM
Updated: 12:41 PM
In an attempt to reveal fact-based history to Malaysians, veteran historian Ranjit Singh Malhi stressed that acknowledging the contributions of other communities would not diminish the Malays’ position.
This is because the community’s status in the country is well-established, he said.
“What is wrong with acknowledging that (contributions of other communities)? You don’t lose your respect.
“We acknowledge that Malay people are the ‘tunjang’ (backbone) of Tanah Melayu, but why deny the role of others? That’s my point,” he told Malaysiakini after announcing his new book “Forgotten Malaysian History: Restoring Voices, Reclaiming Truths”.
Elaborating on his 30th book, which is now up for sale, Ranjit, 71, said the book title encapsulates the essence of his work, where he seeks to “restore voices” by documenting the historical presence and contributions of communities that have faded from mainstream accounts.
He added that the book was also produced out of growing concern that students are deprived of accurate and inclusive accounts of Malaysian history.
“What do I mean by restoring voices? (It means) restoring the voices of the communities that have been marginalised. Communities that have virtually become ‘invisible’ in a way,” he said.
Orang Asli, original inhabitants
Citing an example, Ranjit said mainstream history books virtually do not mention the contributions of the Orang Asli community, who are the original inhabitants of the country.
“They (Orang Asli) have virtually disappeared (from our history textbooks),” he lamented.
Citing an example, he said that secondary school history books (2016 to 2020 editions) have no mention of the Orang Asli community except for the Senoi Praaq, which is an Orang Asli police unit set up by the British colonial administration to combat communists.
Ranjit reiterated that while Orang Asli are the indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia, the Malays are “definitive people” of the land, who, across centuries, have shaped West Malaysia’s political, cultural, and civilisational identity.
Historian Ranjit Singh Malhi (left) and UKM academic Shamsul Amri Baharuddin, who wrote the foreword for the book
However, he did not mince his words when criticising ethno-nationalists, accusing them of “weaponising history” to portray Malaysia as belonging to a single ethnic group, often by framing others as “pendatang” (immigrants) in an attempt to deny their ancestors’ contribution to nation-building.
And this is where, he added, his book would come in handy, “restoring marginalised voices” by documenting the historical presence and contributions of communities that have faded from mainstream accounts of nation-building.
Welcome constructive dialogue
Beyond correcting biased historical accounts, Ranjit said that his book is also intended as an invitation to dialogue, particularly among Malaysians who disagree with his views.
Asked about how he plans to deal with right-wing groups and ethno-nationalists who may disagree with his book, he said he would love to hear their rebuttals as long as they are based on facts during several roadshows he plans to organise in the coming months.
“I want people to debate with me. Not on vague claims, but based on sources and facts,” he stated, adding that confronting distorted readings of the past is not merely an academic exercise but a necessary step towards national unity and progress.
“How do we make our nation united, progressive, and in line with the Rukun Negara? How do we move forward as a nation? That’s the purpose of this book.
“Everybody played a role in forging this country called Malaysia,” he stressed.
Sense of belonging
However, the seasoned historian pointed out that history is not only about facts and dates, rather it also gives people a sense of place and belonging to their country.
That sense of belonging, Ranjit added, is something Malaysia urgently needs to restore.
“I belong to this nation. My ancestors, forefathers, also contributed to this nation,” he added.
However, he did not mince his words when criticising ethno-nationalists, accusing them of “weaponising history” to portray Malaysia as belonging to a single ethnic group, often by framing others as “pendatang” (immigrants) in an attempt to deny their ancestors’ contribution to nation-building.
And this is where, he added, his book would come in handy, “restoring marginalised voices” by documenting the historical presence and contributions of communities that have faded from mainstream accounts of nation-building.
Welcome constructive dialogue
Beyond correcting biased historical accounts, Ranjit said that his book is also intended as an invitation to dialogue, particularly among Malaysians who disagree with his views.
Asked about how he plans to deal with right-wing groups and ethno-nationalists who may disagree with his book, he said he would love to hear their rebuttals as long as they are based on facts during several roadshows he plans to organise in the coming months.
“I want people to debate with me. Not on vague claims, but based on sources and facts,” he stated, adding that confronting distorted readings of the past is not merely an academic exercise but a necessary step towards national unity and progress.
“How do we make our nation united, progressive, and in line with the Rukun Negara? How do we move forward as a nation? That’s the purpose of this book.
“Everybody played a role in forging this country called Malaysia,” he stressed.
Sense of belonging
However, the seasoned historian pointed out that history is not only about facts and dates, rather it also gives people a sense of place and belonging to their country.
That sense of belonging, Ranjit added, is something Malaysia urgently needs to restore.
“I belong to this nation. My ancestors, forefathers, also contributed to this nation,” he added.
He warned that failing to understand the past leaves the country vulnerable to repeating the same mistakes made by its ancestors.
On that note, Ranjit said that the country desperately needs leaders who view Malaysians as “Bangsa Malaysia” (Malaysian race), rather than through a narrow ethnic lens.
He emphasised that the nation’s progress banks on the willingness of the people to move beyond race-based politics and embrace a broader national identity.
“We need a new breed of politicians who look at Malaysians as Bangsa Malaysia… those who have the superordinate goal of making this a truly united, meritocratic, and progressive nation.
“Malaysia badly needs politicians of that mould, of that calibre. Who serve, truly serve the people,” he said.
The book, which took Ranjit five years of research and writing, spans 456 pages and includes over 250 high-quality historical photographs, and will be translated into Malay next year.
Printed in a hardcover edition with ivory pages, it is set to reach readers at an early bird price until the end of December, making it accessible to readers who are keen to explore Malaysia’s history.
Priced at RM100 for early birds, those interested can reach out to the author at ranjit@tqm.com.my
No comments:
Post a Comment