By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Sept 29: : The Sarawak State Library is currently developing what could become one of the largest underground archival depositories in Malaysia to preserve documents and digital records for future generations, said Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He said the development reflects the vast amount of historical material that needs to be preserved, but stressed that greater coordination among archives, museums, libraries and government agencies is also needed to ensure these resources can be accessed and shared for research.
Speaking when officiating the International Conference on Sarawak History 2026 at Wisma Melayu Sarawak today, Abdul Karim said important historical materials are currently held separately by various institutions, including the National Archives of Malaysia, museums, the Sarawak State Library, RTM and the Information Department.
“There is so much history, documentation and other materials being kept by different agencies. Perhaps one day there needs to be a body through which all these agencies can coordinate and share,” he said.
Abdul Karim said researchers, particularly university students undertaking postgraduate studies, should not have to depend on a single institution when conducting research into Sarawak or Malaysia’s history.
“If university students undertake research for their master’s thesis, they cannot just rely on the National Archives. They also have to go to the museum because otherwise their research may not be complete. Researchers cannot rely on just one source,” he said.
He said each institution naturally has its own collections and responsibilities, with original and authentic records often remaining under the custody of the respective agencies.
As a result, researchers currently have to visit different institutions individually to piece together information from separate collections.
Abdul Karim said a coordinated mechanism could help address this fragmentation by facilitating greater information-sharing and collaboration while allowing each institution to retain custody of its collections.
He said the National Archives, museums, libraries and other agencies had done valuable work in preserving the country’s historical heritage.
“The National Archives has done a very good job. There are also many historical materials in museums and in the archives of the museum, while the Sarawak State Library also has a large collection,” he said.
He also noted that RTM and the Information Department maintain their own archives, which contain additional historical records, particularly relating to more recent periods.
Abdul Karim said the proposed approach should bring together these disparate resources so researchers could obtain a more complete picture of historical developments.
“I think there needs to be some kind of collaboration among these agencies. All these institutions are very passionate about their own collections, but those who want to write and research history have to visit each place individually,” he said.
He said greater coordination would be particularly important in preserving records for future generations as more historical materials are digitised and stored in dedicated archival facilities.
Abdul Karim also congratulated the National Archives of Malaysia and the Sarawak Branch, on its 50th anniversary, describing the institution as an important custodian entrusted with preserving and safeguarding the nation’s records, particularly those relating to Sarawak.
He said the National Archives’ Golden Jubilee should serve as a catalyst for continued efforts to preserve historical heritage and strengthen the protection of the country’s documentary and cultural treasures.
“The archives, museums and libraries all play an important role in preserving our collective memory. We need to ensure these institutions continue to work together to safeguard our history for future generations,” he said.
National Archives of Malaysia deputy director-general Ahmad Sukri Abdul Kadir, University Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) vice chancellor Prof Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit, Pustaka Negeri Sarawak chief executive officer Japri Bujang Masli, and Amanah Khairat Yayasan Budaya Melayu Sarawak general manage Datu Dr Sanid Said were among the distinguished guests present. — DayakDaily
