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By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Sept 13: Sarawak has yet to have a specific institution which preserves and conserves history and heritage in Borneo, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the role played by Sarawak Museum Department needs to be developed to support that purpose, especially in preserving historic documents dating back hundreds of years.
“There is still a gap in Sarawak history research that has not yet been studied, especially the study of Sarawak in the past which is believed to be thousands of years old.
“The discovery of prehistoric human skeletons in Niah Cave proves that the existence of humans on the island of Borneo, especially in Sarawak, is one of the earliest in the world at an estimated 50,000 years,” he said in a speech text read out by Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali during the opening ceremony of ‘Sarawak History International Conference 2023’ at Grand Margherita Hotel here today.
Abang Johari also said that Sarawak is known as an archeological hot spot in Southeast Asia, adding that archaeological heritage in Santubong and several other identified places is a gift that needs to be preserved as a legacy for future generations.
“Archaeological sites such as Santubong, Bukit Sadong, Niah Cave, Sireh Cave and the likes are tourism products that can be used as attractions for tourists visiting Sarawak, especially for those who are interested in Sarawak’s cultural heritage and history,” he added.
During a press conference afterwards, Sharifah Hasidah concurred with Abang Johari’s comment on the need for a specific institution focussed on preserving history and heritage in Borneo to be set up.
“It will be good to have a specific institution to look into the history of Sarawak—not just history of Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and modern era history, but archaeological history.
“I will definitely bring up and discuss this matter with the Premier because this is something good for the (preservation of) history,” she said.
Also present was Ikatan Graduan Melayu Sarawak (PGMS) president Datu Dr Sanib Said. — DayakDaily
