by KT Leong
The Ipoh Peace Gallery (IPG), recently officially launched its “China Exhibition Section” alongside a seminar titled “A Remembrance of Anti-Fascism: The Untold Stories of Japanese Occupation in Malaya”.
The opening ceremony was officiated by the guest of honor, Madam Ding Qiao, the Vice Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Penang. In her address, Ding emphasized the importance of remembering historical truths, reflecting on the destruction caused by militarism, and guarding against the rise of “new militarism.” She also highlighted the historical ties between China and Malaysia during World War II.
Four local survivors of the Japanese occupation also attended the event to share their firsthand testimonies.
IPG founder Professor Gary Lit noted that many survivors still experience lifelong trauma from the era, underscoring the necessity of preserving these records so history is neither forgotten nor repeated.
As he is wont to say, “We must forgive, but we mustn’t forget, because how can we forgive what we’ve forgotten?”
The IPG features distinct exhibit sections compiled from Professor Lit’s decades of international research across many nations such as Poland, Ukraine, China and others. And he has told Ipoh Echo that he would like to open up further exhibition sections aside from China, when it becomes appropriate to do so.
Distinguished guests at the ceremony included Dato Irene Lee, Dato Lilian Tong, Dato Roshidi Hashim, the ex-Mayor of Ipoh, Dato Gan Tack Kong, Datuk Kwan Foh Kwai, Dr. Adib Tung and others.
Located at No. 29A, Jalan Leong Sin Nam, 30300 Ipoh, Perak; the IPG is open to the public by appointment via email at garylit33@gmail.com.
