Gomen Interested in Lost Cities

Government boost for expedition to unveil nation’s biggest historical find
BY TEOH TEIK HOONG AND AUDREY EDWARDS


KUALA LUMPUR: The Government is giving top priority to the search for the lost city of Kota Gelanggi in Johor and will provide the necessary funds to unveil the biggest historical find in the country.

Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim told The Star that a preliminary report carried out by the Department of Museums and Antiquities, with independent researcher Raimy Che-Ross’ help, would be submitted to the Cabinet in two weeks.

He said as the search for Kota Gelanggi would involve federal and state authorities, it was crucial for the Cabinet to be briefed.

“We will also discuss it with the Johor government and how we can play a more strident role on what has been found.

“This is more exciting than the Perak Man find. If it is proven to be true, history would have to be rewritten,” he said.

Rais said if it was necessary, the Government would enlist the help of experts from Unesco.

“We may not have the expertise to date the structures on the site. We don’t have that many experienced archaeologists in the country as well,” he added.

On why his ministry did not disclose the find earlier, he said his ministry had wanted to keep it under wraps until proper documentation was done.

“We will be realistic and positive in our approach on this issue. The search for Kota Gelanggi started some time back but experts had to follow the proper procedures to verify indications of its existence,” he added after the launch of the The World of The Peranakan – Unveiling the Mysteries of The Baba & Nyonya exhibition at Muzium Negara yesterday.

However, he warned that unauthorised people trying to enter the site would be dealt with the full force of the law.

He said the authorities would utilise all the necessary laws in the country to protect the site.


Rais:'Unauthorised people trying to enter the site will be dealt with'
Rais congratulated Raimy on the find and described it as a “sterling effort embarked by sterling people”.

He said his ministry would enlist Raimy’s assistance to carry out the search for the lost city of Kota Gelanggi.

Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia Dr KPH Rusdihardjo SH, who was at the launch, said Indonesia, which has the Sri Vijaya and Borobudur archaeological sites, would extend its technical assistance to locate the lost city.

“We will extend our assistance in whatever way we can to help the Malaysian authorities locate and verify the site, if called upon,” he said.

Meanwhile, JOCELINE TAN reports Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman as expressing delight with the news of the find.

“I was pleasantly pleased when I read The Star report that there is this kind of site in the state. It will be a fantastic development for Johor, something that will enrich the history of the state and that of the nation,” he said.

Abdul Ghani said the state would extend full cooperation to ongoing efforts being carried out by the Department of Museums and Antiquities.

He said the state would help facilitate the search and ensure there is no intrusion – by unauthorised people, including loggers – in the area.

“We also have to pursue the search with archaeological experts,” he added.

The Johor Forestry Department is already offering its help in the expedition into the lost city.

Its district forestry officer (south) Che Ros Abu said the department would assist in issuing permits to enter the forest.

“We are very excited about this find and will do our best to help. Forest rangers will also be on hand to assist in the expedition if needed,” he said.