Old Kedah, or Kedah Tua in Malay, and the archaeological findings of the Bujang Valley in northern Peninsular Malaysia were the focus of a local festival held last month. The events included an international conference, and from the news reports two themes seem apparent: the disagreement on whether the ruins of the Bujang Valley represent an animist or Hindu-Buddhist tradition, and the news that the remains of the Hindu temples that have previously been uncovered in the valley will not be nominated and protected under Unesco World Heritage. There’s a lot of subtext to read between the news reports, but it seems there is an attempt to downplay the influence of Hinduism and Buddhism in the Bujang Valley sites.
Experts disagree on religion practised at ruins older than Borobodur and Angkor Wat
The Star, 21 May 2016
World archaeological experts fascinated by Sungai Batu ancient site
Malay Mail, 21 May 2016
Ministry seeks allocation to develop Sungai Batu into historical tourism site
Malay Mail, 21 May 2016
No to heritage listing on Hindu-Buddhist temple ruins
The Star, 21 May 2016
Religious pluralism a likelihood in Bujang Valley
Free Malaysia Today, 23 May 2016
Ancient seaport of Sg Batu
New Straits Times, 23 May 2016
Sg Batu declared SEA’s oldest civilisation
Free Malaysia Today, 23 May 2016
Bujang Valley: Need for proof to be a heritage site?
The Star, 26 May 2016
