By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Sept 14: Sarawak is set to introduce a new museum in Kuching that will focus on the State’s historical governance, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the Sarawak government is planning to transform an existing building into a history museum.
“The museum’s emphasis will be on Sarawak’s governance across different eras–from the Brunei Sultanate to the 100-year Brooke era, the colonial period from 1946 to 1963, and finally, the formation of Malaysia,” he told reporters after officiating the closing ceremony of ‘Night At The Museum’ programme held at Borneo Cultures Museum here today.
Abang Johari also noted that this museum will complement existing institutions in Kuching, including the Borneo Cultures Museum, which showcases the State’s diverse communities, and the Natural History Museum, which explores the environment and evolutionary theories, including connections between Wallace and Charles Darwin, as well as the work of local researcher Ali.
“This new museum will be the third in our journey, linked to our archives, which store comprehensive data on Sarawak’s history in terms of economy, culture and development,” he explained.
Abang Johari also confirmed the museum will be located in Kuching, citing the city’s existing historical sites.
He also highlighted similar initiatives across the State, such as the Sri Aman Museum (Fort Alice) emphasising the fight against communism, and the Kapit Museum (Fort Sylvia), which exhibits efforts in maintaining peace between the Iban and Orang Ulu communities.
“Together, these museums will form a ‘fort trail’ for visitors,” he asserted.
On the timeline, Abang Johari said the museum project will commence soon and is expected to take around five years to complete.
“A museum is based on facts. You have to do research and academic studies before displaying exhibits.
“For example, understanding Sarawak under the Brunei Sultanate requires careful research into historical links with Brunei. It takes time; there’s no need to rush,” he emphasised.
His announcement comes as Sarawak wraps up its annual Night at the Museum programme at Borneo Cultures Museum, held from Sept 13 to 14, 2025, under the theme “Young Curator”.
The event, one of the main initiatives under the Citra Nusa@Muzium Programme, was fully supported by the Ministry of National Unity and centred on historical heritage and cultural arts. It was carried out simultaneously across 31 museums comprising Federal, State, and Institutional Museums, with the participation of 2,240 students.
Also present at the closing ceremony were National Unity Minister Dato Sri Aaron Ago Dagang; Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; National Unity Ministry’s secretary-general Dato’ Haslina Abdul Hamid; Malaysian Museum Department director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A. Kasim; Consul General of Brunei Darussalam to Sarawak, Sheikh Abdul Mahdani Dato Paduka Sheikh Abdul Gani; Dewan Negara Senator Dato’ Ahmad Ibrahim; Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts permanent secretary Datu Sherrina Hussaini; and Sarawak Museum director Nancy Jolhi. — DayakDaily
