DUN Sarawak: Sarawak has strengthened heritage conservation

KUCHING, 13 Oct: The Sarawak State Library Bill 2026 Amendment was described as an important step to strengthen the governance of the institution, besides preserving the history, heritage and scientific treasures of Sarawak for future generations.

Tellian's Advocate General (ADUN) Royston Valentine said that recognition of the concept of memorial archives through the amendment would allow historical materials to be collected, preserved and exhibited more systematically.

According to him, the history of Sarawak is not only contained in textbooks or stories of major figures and events but also preserved in old documents, pictures, letters, manuscripts, audio and video recordings, administrative records as well as local community stories.

"The efforts to collect and preserve the material are essential to avoid loss of historical treasures, especially Sarawak has a unique ethnic diversity, language, customs and culture.

"The memorial archives also have the potential to be educational and research centers that serve as a source of reference for students, teachers, academics and the general public.

"It can help younger generations to understand the history of Sarawak's development more easily, as well as encourage research into local history that may not be sufficiently documented", he said.

He said this while discussing the Sarawak State Library (Amendment) Bill 2026 at the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Conference today.

Royston also expects the collection of historical materials to be expanded throughout Sarawak to include the history of villages, towns, districts, institutions, communities and local figures, including demographic, economic, social life, education and infrastructure development aspects.

He also emphasized the importance of digitizing archival materials to allow for historical treasures to be preserved more securely and publicly accessible.

He said the effort should be supported by clear policies on material selection, preservation and public access, as well as taking into account aspects of copyright, privacy, security and restrictions on internet access in certain areas.

In terms of governance, Royston said that the alignment of powers and responsibilities between ministers, councils of state government, boards and governments through the amendments is important to reduce confusion and power overlap.

"The new provision that allows the minister to give instructions to the board, as long as it does not contradict the ordinance can help ensure the development of the Sarawak State Library in line with state priorities", he said.

He also hoped that the implementation of the amendments would be supported by clear guidelines, an orderly decision record and periodic reporting to DUN in particular on the progress of the memorial archives, consumer reach and service expansion.

"As we develop Sarawak for the future, we cannot forget the history that shaped Sarawak today.

"Physical development can change the face of Sarawak, but history, culture and identity help us understand the origins and journey of our society", he explained.