Contrary to the claims of certain quarters in Malaysia and abroad, the link and association of Indians with Malaysia goes as far back as 110 AD, as evidence has been unearthed from Lembah Bujang in Kedah.
Lembah Bujang or Bujang Valley is a sprawling historical complex covering an area of about 224 square kilometers and is located between Gunung Jerai in the north and Muda River in the south and is the richest archaeological site in Malaysia.
This is an important and significant discovery as it asserts and testifies to the fact that the Indian community has had a link with Malaysia dating back to almost time immemorial.
It clearly debunks the myth that Indians should be classified as ‘ pendatang ’ (immigrants) as they were long established in the country and not as imports of indentured labourers by the British in the last century only.
The archaeological remains at Bujang Valley reveals there was a Hindu-Buddhist polity in this area as far back as more than 2,000 years ago and this means the Malaysian government should push for Bujang Valley to be designated as a Unesco World Heritage site.
While it is well that George Town and Malacca are Unesco sites, the Malaysian government should recognise the ancient link of Indians with Malaysia and not just be limited to setting up 'Little Indias' here and there.
The Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) and other groups representing Indian interests in this country should take it upon themselves to champion for the site to be designated as a Unesco site and highlight the fact that Indians are no newcomers to Malaysia.
Indians take pride and stand tall in this country because they have settled in this nation and have a long-standing heritage which shows the significant contribution that they have made to nation building and not just in building rail lines, road works and tapping rubber.
Credible historians will testify and reveal that the Indian community has shed blood, sweat and tears to bring Malaysia to the forefront of development. Indians in Malaysia should see themselves as second to none and continue to strive and be industrious in their efforts to further excel in life. Indian groups representing the community should pay heed to these historical facts and not subscribe to the fictional evidence of novels like Interlok . They should now take inspiration from Bujang Valley evidence to motivate themselves and fellow Indians in Malaysia to improve and better themselves.
It is also interesting to note that the sultanate of Kedah was founded in 1136 by Sultan Mudzafar Shah who ruled Kedah until 1179 before he embraced Islam. Before he embraced Islam, Sultan Mudzafar was known as Maharaja Durbar Raja and was a practising Hindu.
Our present beloved Yang di-Pertuan Agung Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah is the 28th Sultan of Kedah which is also the oldest sultanate in the peninsula of Malaysia.
