Sarawak State Library to gain power to establish memorial archives under proposed law change

Asfia (centre) speaks during a press conference at PBB headquarters on Oct 9, 2026. Also seen are Idris (left) and Nur Azhar.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Oct 9: The Sarawak State Library is set to gain the power to establish memorial archives documenting significant people, events, heritage, culture and history of Sarawak under a proposed amendment to the State’s library law.

Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar said the Sarawak State Library (Amendment) Bill, 2026, would update the existing law to reflect changes in the institution’s organisation, governance and operations.

“One of the salient features is empowering the State Library to establish memorial archives,” he told a press conference at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) headquarters in Petra Jaya today.

He said the proposed archives would serve as commemorative repositories for materials relating to significant persons, events, heritage, culture and history of Sarawak.

The Bill also seeks to clarify the role and powers of the minister responsible for the State Library, streamline its governance by reallocating powers currently held by the Sarawak Multimedia Authority to the Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri (MMKN or Sarawak Cabinet) and the minister, and empower the Sarawak government to vest properties in the State Library.

It would also empower the MMKN to amend the Schedule to the Ordinance.

Asfia said the amendment was intended to improve the institution’s operational efficiency by simplifying processes and enhancing decision-making, while strengthening internal governance, accountability and risk management.

The Sarawak State Library Ordinance 1999 came into force on Oct 1, 1999, providing for the establishment of the State Library and the custody and preservation of public records, among other related matters.

The Ordinance was last amended in 2019.

“This is just an amendment. It’s not a new Bill,” Asfia said.

The Bill will be tabled by Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn during the DUS sitting from Oct 12 to 21. Its first reading is scheduled for Oct 12, followed by the second and third readings on Oct 13.

Also present during the press conference were Deputy DUS Speaker Datuk Idris Buang and DUS secretary Nur Azhar Bujang. — DayakDaily