I have been following with great concern the recent controversy surrounding our history and the struggle for independence, in the wake of the article, 'The Real Fighters of Merdeka', on the DAP website.

As expected, Umno Youth flexed its muscle with full confidence that the media would operate as their spin doctors against the DAP. It should be noted that the claims made by Umno Youth are political in nature and aimed at painting an ugly picture over a political party that is not even a threat to its power base.

This is an effort to display power and to become heroes in the hearts and the minds of the Malay masses. It is in fact a perfect opportunity for them since they have every mechanism operating in their interest.

I am not amused with this political game. My interest is that substance and truth seem to be out of focus in this controversy.

Is there truth in the article and is there a real concern that history has been distorted? As a citizen, I have the right to know the true history of my country.

The issue behind our Independence struggle appear in many versions. The one claimed by the ruling coalition differs from that in several articles and books. So who is right here?

Stakeholders, commentators, researchers and witnesses to this event should clear the air in the interests of the history of Malaysia and for the sake of future generations.

Crossroads reached

I specifically remember (former deputy premier) Anwar Ibrahim questioning, in his maiden speech upon his release from prison, the real struggle of the Independence while recognising the role of the left movement.

Even Parti Keadila Rakyat (PKR) deputy president Dr Syed Husin Ali reiterated the point in his book Merdeka Untuk Apa Dan Untuk Siapa ? ('Merdeka - for what and for whom?').

PAS too has a stake in the issues since it 'inherited' the struggle by virtue of the role of former president Dr Burhanuddin Helmi.

Today, our history is at a crossroad and we have the opportunity to set the record straight. The issue is out of the Pandora's Box and demands an answer.

Will PKR, former leaders of Parti Rakyat Malaysia and PAS come out to clear the air on the true version of our history or will they go into hiding out of fear of losing voter support?

It is crucial to clear the controversy because history belongs to all.

Reformasi as preached by these political parties include raising consciousness and shifting the mindset of the people.

These parties need to make a substantial effort to do so lest serious doubts arise as to whether they are really concerned about matters that are relevant and of interest to the people.

K SHAN is a human rights activist attached to various organisations working with refugees.