HISTORY is more or less interpretations and tales by people who are sensitive to their own time and society.

History should reflect accurately events as they occur and not be distorted.

Truth is sometimes “far from the truth” in history. Facts are omitted if “they do not fit one’s view” or one could invent non-existing sources to prove that they are right.

Truth has become a casualty and been turned into a commodity. It has become a powerful tool in the hands of politicians, journalists and educationists.

Political correctness has often taken precedence over facts to suit the politics of the day; nothing is more damaging than half-truths which incite and instil hatred rather than educate.

History books are being changed to advance politically palatable fables. False “revisionist” history must be deeply resented.

It is not only the right, but also, the moral obligation of every citizen to demand that history be written correctly without distortion of facts. Writers have a social responsibility to correct what is not factual.

Noel F. D’Oliveiro
Ipoh

Source: The Sun – November 17, 2008