LETTER | Tucked away in the lush landscape of Kedah lies Lembah Bujang, one of Southeast Asia's most important archaeological treasures.

Dating back to the third century, this ancient complex bears witness to a thriving civilisation that once traded with India, China, and beyond.

The remnants of temples, artefacts, and port cities point towards a rich Hindu-Buddhist influence that shaped the region long before modern religious boundaries took hold.

Yet, despite its immense historical value, efforts to explore, preserve, and celebrate Lembah Bujang have been met with resistance - not from a lack of interest or resources but from a fear rooted in narrow interpretations of identity.

Some voices, influenced by rigid Islamist ideologies, see the ancient site as a threat to contemporary Islamic identity rather than as a window into the rich tapestry of our past.

Emulate Indonesia

This hesitancy is in stark contrast to our neighbour, Indonesia - the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country.

There, ancient Hindu-Buddhist sites such as Borobudur and Prambanan are not only protected but also celebrated. They stand tall as icons of Indonesia's diverse cultural roots, embraced by Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

These sites are taught in schools, featured in tourism campaigns, and recognised as part of the national story.

Malaysia, too, has an opportunity to tell a fuller, richer story -one that acknowledges that our ancestors were traders, seafarers, artisans, and spiritual beings influenced by the philosophies of their time.

Historical gift, reminder

Recognising this does not dilute our present faith or identity. On the contrary, it deepens our understanding of who we are and where we come from.

Lembah Bujang is not a threat. It is a gift and reminder that civilisations before us flourished in harmony with diversity. To deny its place in our national narrative is to deny a piece of ourselves.

Let us not bury our past in fear. Let us uncover it with pride, curiosity, and maturity. By embracing the legacy of Lembah Bujang, we embrace the truth — and in doing so, we take a vital step towards a more confident, inclusive Malaysia.

History belongs to all of us. Let’s honour it, learn from it, and pass it on.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.