KUCHING – A proposed memorial archive under the Sarawak State Library could strengthen historical research and improve public access to records documenting the state’s development, according to Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine.
Speaking during the debate on the relevant bill at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on Tuesday, Royston said the systematic collection and preservation of historical materials could provide a valuable reference resource for students, teachers, researchers and members of the public.
He said the archive should preserve a broad range of materials, including old documents, manuscripts, photographs, correspondence and historical recordings. Properly organised and maintained, these records could help researchers examine aspects of Sarawak’s past that may not have been adequately documented.
“The value of the memorial archive will be more evident when the collected materials are not only preserved but also utilised by the community,” he said.
Royston emphasised that the state’s historical record should extend beyond major political events and prominent personalities. He said the experiences and development of villages, towns, districts, institutions and communities across Sarawak should also be documented to provide a more comprehensive account of the state’s past.
Such an approach could help ensure that local experiences form part of the wider historical narrative. Records of community life, local leadership and institutional development may offer insights into how different parts of Sarawak have changed over time.
He also highlighted the importance of documenting a wide range of social and economic developments. These include demographic changes, economic activity, cultural practices, education, infrastructure and community development, all of which contribute to understanding how society has evolved across generations.
A well-maintained archive could help researchers compare historical records with contemporary information, identify changes in communities and examine the factors that have influenced development. For schools and educational institutions, access to reliable historical materials could also support teaching and encourage students to learn more about the places where they live.
Royston noted that significant parts of Sarawak’s history may be found outside conventional archival collections. Administrative records, privately held documents, family photographs, traditional customs and accounts passed down through local communities can all contain information relevant to understanding the state’s heritage.
However, such materials may be dispersed among individuals, families, institutions and communities, making them difficult for researchers to locate and consult. Systematic collection and documentation would therefore be important in bringing these records together and ensuring that information is preserved for future reference.
Community participation could form an important part of this process. Residents, families and local organisations may hold historical materials that help explain the development of their areas, including changes in livelihoods, settlement patterns, cultural traditions and access to public services.
The preservation of these records would also require appropriate arrangements for cataloguing, storage and access. Clear documentation practices can help establish the background of individual items, while suitable preservation measures can reduce the risk of damage or loss to fragile historical materials.
Digitisation could also be considered as a way to improve access to selected collections, although no specific digital archive plan was outlined in the statement. Any such approach would need to take account of preservation requirements, available resources and the rights associated with privately held or sensitive materials.
Royston’s remarks placed emphasis on ensuring that historical preservation serves a wider public purpose rather than focusing solely on the storage of documents. Making relevant materials accessible to the community could support academic research, education and greater awareness of Sarawak’s diverse local histories.
No detailed implementation plan, funding arrangement or timeline for the memorial archive was provided in the statement. The proposal nevertheless highlights the potential value of a structured archival resource in preserving historical evidence and broadening understanding of the state’s social, cultural and economic development. – Sarawak Daily
