KUALA LUMPUR: The nomination of Malaysia’s Chinese new villages as Unesco World Heritage sites requires thorough research before it can be pursued.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said to date, no decision has been made as to whether to declare such villages as national heritages or for submission to Unesco.
“As such, the ministry, through the National Heritage Department, is of the view that the nomination of the Chinese new villages as Unesco World Heritage sites requires more in-depth research before any formal proposal can be pursued,” he said.
He was responding to Wan Razali Wan Nor (PN-Kuantan) on the government’s position regarding the proposal to recognise Chinese new villages as Unesco heritage sites.
Tiong said approval must first be obtained from the respective state authorities, as land planning and development fall under state jurisdiction and involve multiple agencies at both the federal and state levels.
He said state and local authorities must also be prepared to comply with the strict guidelines set by Unesco, as the nomination must meet specific criteria.
“This includes the identification of Outstanding Universal Value, authenticity, integrity, site management and others.
“The recognition process can sometimes take more than 10 years, as seen with other sites in Malaysia, to ensure that all necessary information is in place to meet Unesco’s criteria,” he said.
On action taken by the National Heritage Department to ensure that proposed heritage sites meet the historical criteria of the nation, Tiong said thorough research is conducted to verify facts and ensure accuracy, to avoid any confusion or issues arising in the future.
He said before a site is considered for gazettement under the National Heritage Act 2005, it must first be reviewed by the heritage expert committee and the National Heritage Council to determine the designation of the site.
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