By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, July 15: Rumah Sri Aman, where the Sri Aman Declaration was signed between Sarawak government and the communists on Oct 21, 1973, will be turned into a museum next year.
Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the launch of the Sri Aman Museum will be in line with the Declaration’s 50th anniversary next year.
“Not many countries in the world can have a peace treaty with the communists but somehow, the Sarawak government managed to have it 50 years ago.
“That’s the reason why I insist the place where the peace treaty was signed, the tables and chairs that are being used (for the signing), we want to turn that building into a museum and get it officiated,” he said when officiating Sarawak Museum Department’s Appreciation Ceremony and Excellent Service Award 2021 held at Waterfront Hotel here earlier tonight (July 15).
Abdul Karim further said that the Sri Aman town was initially called Simanggang but its name was changed to Sri Aman due to the peace treaty (Sri Aman Declaration 1973).
“Before the peace treaty, not many (people) dared to drive from Kuching to Sibu because along the way, we might get ambushed and the road was not very good — pebble roads.
“Even if there are those who are brave, there will have to be a police (escort) joining the convoy due to the likelihood of being ambushed by the communists there.
“But with the signing of the peace treaty 50 years ago, we manage to have peace from then on until today and that’s why one of the reason we would want to see the place where peace was created in Sarawak could be reflected in the Sri Aman Museum,” he explained.
Abdul Karim also noted that the Sarawak Museum Department is in the process of refurbishing the existing forts and turning them into museums.
“Some divisions like Bintulu and Mukah are already coming up to us and want to set up museums.
“On Aug 4 this year, the Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg will be launching the Limbang museum,” he added.
At the event, Abdul Karim presented certificates to two Sarawak Museum Department staff who will be retiring soon namely, Adenan Amit and Sabli Bujang.
He also presented Excellent Service Award 2021 to 19 recipients.
Amongst those present were Sarawak Deputy Ministers for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew and Datuk Snowdan Lawan; MTCP chief assistant secretary Dr Elena Chai; and Sarawak Museum Department director Tazudin Mohtar. — DayakDaily
