MELAKA SULTANATE AROUND SINCE 1200s?

Published: Monday October 17, 2011 MYT 7:14:00 PM

Malacca Sultanate around since 1200s not 1400: Ali Rustam

MALACCA: The Malacca Sultanate began in 1262 and not 1400 as widely believed, said Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam.

He said a group of historians, through the Malaysian Institute for History and Patriotism Research (IKSEP), managed to prove the earlier existence of the sultanate.

"The discovery of this fact is proven through the writings of Raja Bongsu in the book, 'Salatus Salatin'.

"It is also proven by our historians that we have a high civilisaton," he told reporters after opening a seminar in conjunction with the 749th anniversary of the founding of Malacca here.

Profesor Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Khoo Kay Kim, who presented a paper titled "Melaka, Mother of Malaya" at the seminar, said the present generation had little knowledge on the country and its society.

"This phenomenon is worrying. History does not just focus on the olden days but also on developments until the present day," he said.

Mohd Ali said the lack of history knowledge and appreciation have made the people lose their true identity and become materialistic.

He said the country should continue producing historians or social scientists as they were important in helping to raise self awareness and in developing a true identity among Malaysians.

"The action by certain universities to reduce the intake of students for the arts and social science stream is not appropriate," he said.