The author notes that there is declining interest in the study of history all over the world, particularly in developing countries. Almost all the History Departments in Malaysia have closed down or have been reinvented to study politics, international relations and other 'more relevant' subjects. Probably, there is only one Department of History left in the country right now. This is a matter of great concern because people who do not know history run the risk of repeating it. And when history repeats itself, tragedy becomes farce. So there is an important plea to be made for the study of history.

It is important to know history to have a proper understanding of imperialism and colonization which the West used as tools to suppress the East and sponsor its own capitalist development. By knowing our history, we know ourselves and learn how we can better support the aspirations for development of people in the South, and not just by looking in the rear view mirror of history, we better understand the significance of what has happened and is happening to us, in turn enabling us to act far more knowledgably and effectively.