Remember History, Do Not Forget WWII Wounds

Press Statement by KLSCAH Malaysian World War II History Association :

In 1945, the World War II ended with the defeat of Germany and Japan, and the year 2025 will mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

During World War II, Malaya, as well as Sarawak and Sabah, were invaded and occupied by Japan. During the 3 years and 8 months of Japanese occupation, the Imperial Japanese Army imposed military rule and colonisation on Malaya, Sarawak, and Sabah, caused widespread devastation and suffering across various sectors of society.

Eighty years have passed in the blink of an eye, and this is an important time for the entire nation and society to reflect on and mourn the victims of World War II. As the largest conflict faced by our country in modern times, the federal government has an obligation to commemorate and mourn World War II during significant anniversaries. However, the federal government has chosen to ignore this important historical milestone.

On November 5, Member of Parliament for Cheras – YB Tan Kok Wai asked the Minister of National Unity on whether the federal government had allocated a budget to commemorate or mourn the end of World War II in 2025. The Minister of National Unity, Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, replied that the Ministry of National Unity had not allocated any special budget or planned any activities to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in 2025.

In light of this, the Malaysian World War II History Association expresses extreme disappointment and regret over the Ministry of National Unity’s decision to neglect the commemoration and reflection on World War II.

The association believes that the pain brought by World War II to Malaysia cannot be easily ignored. From the perspective of post-conflict reconciliation, only by commemorating the sacrifices and reflecting on the destruction of war can the wounds of the victims be healed and a foundation for true reconciliation be laid.

Therefore, the association urges the Ministry of National Unity to reconsider its decision to not commemorate the end of World War II in 2025. To further reconciliation, we also call upon the Department of National Archive and the Malaysian Museums, which are under the Ministry of National Unity, to establish a registry of victims so that the nation can recognise their sacrifices and contribution.

The association is willing to meet with the Minister of National Unity to discuss the institutionalization of World War II commemoration.