For academic and historian Gary Lit Ying Long, there is more to history than just dates and names; history is what makes society.

Born and raised in the peaceful Kinta Valley of Perak, Lit is quite the familiar face in universities around the globe.

For decades now, he has had the privilege of educating international audiences on the colourful stories of Malaysian history.

Despite having travelled extensively, the 63-year-old historian still holds dear to his heart his hometown of Kampar.

It has always been his desire to tell the story of his family’s experiences during the most turbulent periods of Malaysian history that led him to write his book, “If the Sky were to Fall…”

Dedicated to his late father, the book details the terror of the Japanese occupation, as well as the hardships imposed by the British on Kinta Valley residents during the Emergency period.

During a recent author meet-and-greet held at MPH Nu Sentral in Kuala Lumpur, Lit spoke to FMT about the importance of preserving Malaysia’s history and heritage.

Asked why he became a historian, Lit replied, “I feel it’s important to document historical events, especially those during the most tumultuous times of our nation’s history.”

As such, his writings are but “a humble attempt and sincere endeavour to ensure future generations will get to know and appreciate the truth of what happened.”

He shared that when writing his book, he interviewed many residents of the Kinta Valley who witnessed the atrocities of the Japanese occupation.

These elderly folks asked him, in complete honesty, if there would be fatal repercussions from Japanese soldiers should they share their stories; a sign of how the past lives on in the present.

He lamented that young Malaysians are more interested in the adventures of fictional characters than the struggles and sacrifices of their forefathers. “It’s a tragedy!”

Lit said that even while schooling, he found history an interesting subject and said it should be the case for everyone.

“Everyone of us is a historian, like it or not! Some people may say they hate history because it’s boring. That perception is wrong because history is about you and your life!”

“The moment you’re born into this world,” he explained, “you’re making history. Big or small, right or wrong, good or bad, you’re part of history.”

When asked if he has a favourite historical period, Lit said, “Every period is important, because every period is shaped by the previous and leads to the next.”

He did add however, that the tumultuous period described in his book does capture his attention the most as it directly influenced the shaping of modern-day Malaysia.

The notion that Malaysian history is boring compared to that of other countries is also an “unfair” statement, he said.

“Malaysian history has its own rich incidents and events. Every country is unique and Malaysia has its own unique characteristics.”

He added: “Malaysia is a multiracial country. In that sense, we have a rich tapestry of multiracial characteristics.”

For someone to be well-versed in history, Lit said the individual must have a genuine interest in the subject, as well as certain qualities. “You must be curious about whatever is happening around you. Things, events, incidents, and not just in the present day.

“You must ask the question: How was society shaped by past events? How is the present being shaped?”

Pointing to George Santayana’s classic quote, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”, Lit explained that understanding the past helps people understand today.

As such, he said, it is the historian’s role to document, preserve and promote historical heritage for future generations.

In addition to writing books, Lit has worked as a newspaper columnist and delivered talks on historical matters.

With the publication of “If the Sky were to Fall…”, Lit is likely to work on more books in the future, albeit after a well-deserved break.

“’If the Sky were to Fall…’ was a very meaningful project to me, as it is a tribute to not just my late parents, but to all our forefathers. I am also a visiting professor in universities in Asia and Europe, so it’s my humble way of promoting Malaysian history and heritage,” he said.

He expressed his hope that young Malaysians will step up in the preservation of the stories of those who came before them.

“We should know more about our own cultural roots and identity. These are important markers of our identity and anchor of our memory.”