Appreciate the contributions of past leaders

PRIME Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed during the first monthly gathering this year of the staff of the Prime Minister’s Department at Putrajaya stressed the importance of history for all government servants and politicians, “Ensure country’s wealth distribution is equal, PM tells staff ” ( The Star, Jan 15).

History covers every aspect of the human race and all that happened that had an influence on it directly or indirectly.

History tells about man’s pro- gress from barbarism to civilisation, ancient cultures, the rise and fall of nations, the turning points in the lives of great men who shaped the destiny of the world and the conquest and subjugation of the weak by the strong.

It is said that the longer you look back, the farther forward you see. Hence, a deep knowledge of the past is vital for human development. Of greater significance is the lesson we learn from past mistakes and the price we pay for ignoring them.

As a nation, we should be proud of our legacy and rich past. The younger generation, in particular, must realise that the progress and prosperity we enjoy today are largely due to the untiring efforts and sacrifices of our past leaders.

Their enormous contributions in many ways have made it possible for all races to live in peace and harmony.

S. SUNDARESON Petaling Jaya