KUCHING – The Sarawak State Library has successfully hosted the 2026 International Archives Week Forum, themed Tracing the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), at its auditorium on 22 June.
The event drew strong participation from civil servants, students, researchers, academics, and members of the public, reflecting growing interest in Sarawak’s historical rights and archival preservation.
The forum was officiated by the deputy minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations), YB Datuk Hajah Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali.
In her address, she emphasised that archives serve as vital repositories of historical truth, enabling the preservation of facts and safeguarding the rights of both the people and the state.
She noted that authentic records must remain accessible to ensure future generations understand the responsibilities and entitlements enshrined in MA63.
She commended the Sarawak State Library for its initiative in raising public awareness through archival programmes and forums.
“Efforts to preserve and provide access to historical records are important to ensure that present and future generations continue to understand the history, rights and responsibilities contained in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” she said.
The panel discussion featured YB Datuk Hajah Sharifah Hasidah; Senior State Counsel Tuan Mohd. Adzrul Adzlan from the Sarawak Attorney General’s Chambers; and Sarawak State Library Chief Executive Officer Tuan Haji Japri Bujang Masli.
The session was moderated by Dr Noorfadhleen Mahmud, Head of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities at the UiTM Sarawak Branch.
Discussions centred on the historical background of MA63, Sarawak’s rights under the agreement, current developments in claims related to MA63, and the significance of archives as reliable references in understanding the state’s history and development.
Also in attendance were Datuk Dr Abang Haji Abdul Rauf Abang Zen, chairman of the Sarawak State Library Management Board, and Dato Ir. Lo Khere Chiang, state assemblyman for Batu Kitang and member of the library’s management board.
Their presence highlighted the importance of institutional support in strengthening archival initiatives. The forum underscored the library’s ongoing commitment to preserving collective memory and documenting heritage for future generations.
By promoting awareness of MA63 through archival engagement, the Sarawak State Library continues to play a crucial role in ensuring historical records remain a cornerstone of public knowledge and civic identity.
