DUN Sarawak passed the Sarawak State Library (Amendment) Bill 2026

KUCHING, 13 Oct: The Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today passed the Sarawak State Library Act 2026 (Amendment) with the support of a unanimous vote by the members of the house.

The approval was announced by DUN Sarawak Speaker, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar, after the bill was presented for third reading by Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn.

Previously, a total of 15 council members took part in the debate on the bill.

While presenting the bill at first and second readings, Roland Sagah said the amendments were important to ensure that the Sarawak State Library's legislative framework continues to align with the development of the institution's function.

He said the role of state library now goes beyond providing literature, but also includes responsibility for maintaining public records, archives as well as history and collective memory of the state.

"The role of the state library now is not only to provide literature, but also to preserve public records, archives and collective history and memory of Sarawak for future generations", he said.

Among the major changes proposed are clarifying the powers and responsibilities of ministers responsible to the Sarawak State Library.

He said it included the power to give instructions to the State Library Board in carrying out its functions and responsibilities.

The amendment also enabled the state library to set up, manage and maintain a memorial archive to preserve material related to figures, important events as well as Sarawak history and culture.

The measure is expected to help ensure that documents, records, personal belongings and historical materials of value to the state can be preserved as a treasure for future generations' reference.

He said the amendment provided for a method of allocating government property for library use.

It also empowered the Council of State Assembly to amend the schedule in the Sarawak State Library Ordinance 1999 through a notice in the Government Gazette.

Roland said the amendment would provide a legislative framework more suited to the development of library function, as well as strengthen its accountability and improve its administrative efficiency.

"These amendments are important to ensure that the records, scientific treasures and history of Sarawak continue to be preserved for future generations", he said.

The approval marks a step towards strengthening the role of the Sarawak State Library not only as a science hub, but also as an important institution in preserving the heritage, identity and history of the state for future generations. - TVS