Royston urges systematic preservation of Sarawak’s history

SARAWAK risks losing parts of its history unless historical materials are systematically preserved.

Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine said Sarawak’s history extended beyond major events and prominent figures, noting that relatively little of the state’s past was covered in Malaysia’s school history syllabus.

“Our history is also preserved in old documents, photographs, correspondence, manuscripts, audio and video recordings, administrative records, customs and stories of local communities,” he said when debating in support of the Sarawak State Library (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

He stressed the importance of preserving these materials, particularly given Sarawak’s dozens of ethnic groups, each with distinct cultures, languages, traditional attire and food.

He therefore welcomed the Bill’s recognition of memorial archives, which would serve to store, preserve and display historical materials commemorating particular events, individuals or aspects of history.

“The proposed amendment to Section 3 would empower the Sarawak State Library to establish, manage and maintain such archives.”

He hoped the collection of historical materials would extend throughout Sarawak, encompassing the histories of villages, towns, districts, institutions, communities and local personalities.

“The documentation should also cover demographics, localities, economic activities, social life, culture, education, infrastructure and community development.

“Such an approach would ensure that changes in communities from one generation to another became part of Sarawak’s historical records.”

He also highlighted the potential for memorial archives to serve as educational and research centres, providing reference materials for students, teachers, academics and the general public.

“These archives could help younger generations better understand Sarawak’s development while encouraging research into local histories that might not have been adequately documented.”

Beyond preservation, Royston stressed that historical materials should also be made accessible for public use.

“The development of memorial archives should therefore be supported by clear policies governing the selection, preservation and public accessibility of archival materials.

“Cooperation with communities, educational institutions, cultural organisations and researchers would also help ensure that the materials collected were accurate, represented Sarawak’s diverse history and were managed responsibly,” he added.

He further hoped the implementation of the amendments would place greater emphasis on digitisation, with suitable archival materials recorded in digital formats for safer preservation and wider accessibility.

“However, these efforts must take into account copyright, privacy, the security of historical materials and internet connectivity, particularly in areas where infrastructure remains limited.”

With younger generations increasingly obtaining information through digital platforms, he said Sarawak’s archives needed to move towards a modern, accessible and user-friendly system.

“Historical materials should not merely be kept in certain rooms or on shelves where they are difficult for the public to see.

“They should be developed into sources of knowledge that can be fully utilised by the people, especially the younger generation, wherever they are,” he said.

On governance, Royston said the Bill would clarify several powers previously referred to under the term ‘Authority’, with certain responsibilities assigned to the Minister, Sarawak State Cabinet, Board and Government.

“The Bill’s explanatory statement also indicated that several clauses were intended to align these powers.”

According to him, a clearer division of responsibilities would help reduce confusion and overlapping authority, particularly in determining which parties were responsible for setting policies, granting approvals and implementing decisions.

“This would help ensure that institutional affairs were carried out more precisely while strengthening accountability.”

Royston also highlighted the proposed new Section 10, which would allow the Minister to issue directions to the Board concerning the exercise of its powers, functions and responsibilities, provided the directions did not conflict with the Ordinance.

“The provision is important given the Sarawak State Library’s responsibilities beyond conventional library services, including knowledge management, government documentation, historical preservation, research and the development of community identity.

“Clear policy coordination between the Sarawak government, Minister and Board would help ensure the library’s development remained aligned with Sarawak’s priorities.”

For library personnel, he said clearer responsibilities would support planning and service delivery, while providing the government with a more structured legal framework for managing the institution’s functions and assets.

“For the people, the benefits must translate into better-preserved collections, easier-to-use facilities and services reaching more residents,” he said.

To strengthen accountability, he hoped ministerial directions to the Board and major library-related decisions would be supported by clear guidelines, proper decision records and regular reporting.

“Reports to the State Legislative Assembly on the development of memorial archives, user accessibility and the expansion of library services would help assess progress and identify areas for improvement.”

Meanwhile, he said the proposed new Section 29A would empower the Sarawak State Cabinet to amend the Schedule through notifications published in the Gazette.

“The provision would allow certain administrative matters to be adjusted according to changing circumstances without requiring the longer process of amending the Ordinance for every minor change.

“Such flexibility is important in modern administration, allowing institutions to adapt their administrative structures as needs evolve while continuing to operate within the established legal framework.”

Royston described the amendments as an appropriate and forward-looking step, expressing hope that their implementation would lead to more systematic preservation of historical materials, quality memorial archives and wider access for students, researchers and the public.

Reiterating his full support for the Bill, he stressed that Sarawak must not forget the history that had shaped it as the state continued to develop.

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