TAWAU: Disinterest in history is the reason why youths yesterday are easily influenced to hate others of different races and religion, said Sabah Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan.
In this regard, he urged youths to take an interest and learn about the history and life led by their communities in the past.
“The young generation should know the history of unity that existed among the communities and how they strived to maintain that harmony. Youths should emulate them for this peaceful environment to prevail,” he said.
Tawfiq said this after launching a book, ‘Sejarah Tawau dan Keunikannya’ (The history of Tawau and its uniqueness), here yesterday.
On the book authored by home-grown Ismail Awang and his two brothers, he said it would “encourage the Tawau community to always stay united and preserve that harmony”.
“This book is a valuable written material and should be shared with the next generations,” he said.
At the launch, Tawfiq also contributed RM10,000 to PEWARIS for the publication and purchase of a minimum of 200 books.
Also present was Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Pang Yuk Ming.