MELAKA, 13 OCTOBER, 2011: The
establishment of the Malaysian Academy of Han Studies (MAHS) will help
impart an education concept that not only promotes academic excellence
but also positive values which are greatly needed by mankind, said
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
He said knowledge without being imbued with positive values could be a dangerous thing.
"There is such strong support for an
education concept that promotes not only academic excellence but also
the practicality of knowledge to bring happiness and peace to people's
lives," he said during the ground-breaking ceremony for the academy
here today.
He cited Admiral Cheng Ho's expedition
to Melaka consisting of 317 ships and 28,000 crewmen which could easily
have been an expedition to conquer the Malay Sultanate, as done by the
Portugese and Dutch, as an example.
Najib said Cheng Ho's expedition to
Melaka turned out to be an act of friendship, goodwill and cooperation
which the Muslim admiral extended to the Malay sultanate and its
people.
"They (Admiral Cheng Ho's expedition)
had the knowledge to conquer the Malay Sultanate, but chose not to and
instead cooperate," he said, adding that this was a clear difference
with the Portuguese's and Dutch expeditions to Malacca.
"Han" according to Najib, is an ethnic
identity that encompasses 94 percent of the population of mainland
China, making it the largest ethnic group on earth.
Historically, the Han Dynastic period is considered the "Golden Age" of Chinese history.
Historically, the Han Dynastic period is considered the "Golden Age" of Chinese history.
"Han studies can provide philosophical
knowledge on human conduct with a focus on virtuousness and respect
among mankind, which to my mind is greatly needed in this day and age,"
said Najib.
Also present during the ceremony were
Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ali Rustam, Honorary Chairman of MAHS
Prof Chin Kung and Chairman of MAHS Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew.
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