Gira urges recording of longhouse histories before elders’ stories are lost

STORIES of how longhouse settlements began and traditions passed down could be lost unless elders’ accounts are recorded.

Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang raised the concern as he proposed that the Sarawak State Library work with community leaders, schools and cultural organisations in Tamin and Selangau to document local history through interviews with elders, old photographs and family records.

“Preserving such knowledge is important.

“Many of our elders have valuable knowledge about their longhouses. They remember how settlements began, how communities lived and how traditions were passed from one generation to another.

“We should record this knowledge while our elders can still share it. Once they are gone, some of these stories may be lost,” he said when debating in support of the Sarawak State Library (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

He stressed that the collection of historical materials should be carried out with the agreement of those involved, while respecting their wishes concerning private or sensitive information.

He welcomed the Bill’s provisions on memorial archives, saying they offered an opportunity to preserve more of Sarawak’s history.

“The archives should include the contributions of all communities, including ordinary people who had helped develop their villages and longhouses.

“Under Clause 2, the Bill introduces a definition of memorial archives as archives that keep and display historical materials commemorating a person, an event or another aspect of history.

“Clause 3 gives the State Library the power to establish, manage and maintain such archives.”

He also called for the preservation of original records relating to Sarawak’s constitutional history, the formation of Malaysia and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

He said these records could help young people understand Sarawak’s history through reliable information.

“Historical facts must be checked carefully, and the sources of materials should be recorded. Different accounts should be presented fairly so that the public can trust our archives,” he said.

Apart from preserving historical records, Gira urged the State Library to ensure its services reached rural communities, particularly children living in longhouses far from major libraries.

He proposed a regular outreach programme in Tamin and Selangau, with the State Library working alongside schools and community leaders to improve access to reading and learning materials.

“A child living in a longhouse in Tamin should have the opportunity to read good books and use reliable learning materials.

“Living far from a major library should not limit that child’s chance to learn,” he said.

He suggested that the outreach programme could include mobile library visits and reading corners in suitable community halls and longhouse spaces.

“Regular activities and a changing selection of books would help children develop an interest in reading.

“Digital services should also support these programmes, particularly in areas where internet connections are unreliable.”

He suggested providing learning materials that could be downloaded and used offline, alongside practical classes on finding reliable information, recognising online scams and using digital tools safely.

“Such classes would benefit students, parents and older residents.”

He also called for reading materials in Bahasa Malaysia and English, together with suitable materials in Iban and other local languages, to support learning while helping children remain connected to their culture.

On the Bill’s administrative provisions, he welcomed the removal of references to the Authority and the realignment of relevant powers among the Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri, the Minister, the Board and the Government.

“Clearly defined responsibilities could help the State Library make timely decisions, manage its resources properly and improve services to the public.

“Under Clause 7, which replaces Section 10, the Minister would be empowered to issue directions to the Board on the exercise of its powers and duties.

“Such directions must be consistent with the Ordinance, while the Board would be required to take the necessary steps to carry them out.”

He said the provision should provide clear guidance while respecting the knowledge and experience of librarians and archivists.

He also highlighted the proposed Section 29A, which would allow the Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri to amend the Schedules through notification in the Gazette.

“Any such changes should be clearly explained to the public.”

Gira further said the State Library would need trained personnel and proper facilities to safeguard historical materials and digital records.

He called for more training opportunities for Sarawakian librarians and archivists, particularly young people interested in the state’s history and culture.

“Community volunteers could assist in collecting local historical materials, with professional staff providing guidance.”

He also urged the State Library to report its progress clearly, including the communities visited, participation in its programmes and historical collections preserved.

“I hope that the amendments would improve library services and bring more learning opportunities to rural schools and longhouses.”