Associate Professor Dr. Riswadi Azmi,  Ihsan Centre, UMT

The National Archives of Malaysia and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) recently co-organized the Asia-Pacific Heritage Seminar: The Personal Letters of Baginda Omar, which was graced by the presence of His Royal Highness Al-Wathiqu Billah Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin ibni Almarhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah for a special declaration ceremony.

His Royal Highness was present to graciously officiate the declaration of the Personal Letter Collection of Baginda Omar as an official UNESCO Memory of the World documentary heritage. The collection is recognised under the Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP) by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

His Royal Highness also officiated the historic seminar held at UMT’s Sultan Mizan Hall.

Also in attendance were Her Royal Highness the Sultanah of Terengganu, Sultanah Nur Zahirah, and His Highness the Crown Prince of Terengganu, demonstrating the royal institution’s strong support for the preservation of the nation’s documentary heritage.

The two-day seminar that received support from the Ministry of National Unity was attended by over 500 participants from across the country, including researchers, academics, historians, and students from various institutions of higher learning.

Baginda Omar, the 9th Sultan of Terengganu who reigned from 1839 to 1876, is remembered as a capable and visionary ruler who strengthened state governance, expanded diplomatic relations, and upheld Islamic values and the welfare of his people.

The Personal Letter Collection of Baginda Omar comprises 56 letters dated between 1848 and 1858, showcasing the Sultan’s wisdom in statecraft and foreign relations, particularly with the Riau-Lingga Sultanate, the Kingdom of Siam, and the British. This collection was first declared a National Heritage in 2010 and later received UNESCO recognition on 8 May 2024 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Also launched during the event was a book titled “Warkah Baginda Omar, Sultan Terengganu IX (1839–1876): Warisan Agung Alam Melayu” authored by Associate Professor Dr. Riswadi bin Azmi, Director of the Ihsan Centre, UMT. The book offers historical insights and analysis of the royal letters, written in classical Jawi script, highlighting courtly etiquette and the Sultan’s diplomatic acumen and concern for his people’s welfare. It elevates royal documents as vital cultural artefacts that preserve national identity and historical memory.

The seminar featured 13 presenters across four main sessions discussing political and diplomatic dimensions, economics, linguistic style, as well as cultural and religious aspects. This initiative serves as an important platform to strengthen academic research and public awareness of the historical significance of the nation’s documentary heritage.

This recognition not only elevates Terengganu’s heritage but also underscores Malaysia’s role as a regional leader in the preservation of historical documents and the world’s intellectual treasures.