KUCHING: A book commemorating the centenary of the historic Kapit Peace-Making Agreement of 1924 was officially launched.
The 300-page publication, ‘Commemorating a Century of Kapit Peace-Making (1924–2024)’, captures the events, reflections and historical significance of a moment that ended tribal conflict and fostered lasting unity in Sarawak.
Works Minister, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, who is the Kapit Member of Parliament, said the book serves as an important record of Sarawak’s turning point towards peace and cooperation.
“This book is a contribution to our collective understanding, a preservation of our history.
“As we all know, the Kapit peace-making ceremony held a century ago was a significant milestone in Sarawak’s history.
“The Kapit Peace-Making of 1924 was a pivotal event that laid the foundation for lasting peace in Sarawak,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the book launch ceremony of ‘Commemorating a Century of Kapit Peacemaking (1924-2024)’ at the Dayak Cultural Foundation building here on Friday.
Nanta noted that the ceremony a century ago marked the end of inter- and intra-tribal warfare, paving the way for ethnic harmony that continues today.
He praised the editorial committee’s dedication in compiling and publishing the book within six months after the centennial celebration in December 2024.
He also acknowledged the role of Dayak Cultural Foundation and Tun Jugah Foundation, whose joint effort brought the commemorative project to life.
“Documenting significant events like this is vital for the public, especially the younger generation,” he said, adding that modern tools like digitisation ensure history is preserved for the future.
On the same note, book editor, Dr Regina Garai Abdullah, said the editorial team was driven by a shared motivation to preserve the memory of the peace-making, as none of its original participants are alive today.
“We won’t be here for the 200th anniversary, so this is our chance to ensure the story lives on,” she said.
Dr Regina described the publication as a “living record” that goes beyond conventional history books by including narratives, speeches, reflections, photographs and cultural highlights from the centenary events.
She said the eight-chapter volume includes coverage of the International Seminar on Celebration of Peace, cultural showcases, traditional rituals, and even press reports from the anniversary week.
She shared that producing the book within a tight timeline was challenging but made possible by the strong teamwork between writers, researchers, photographers and overseas contributors.
Dr Regina also thanked the Chairman of Dayak Cultural Foundation, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, for providing funding support for the publication.
“We hope this book becomes a meaningful resource for future generations, and a bridge between past and present,” she said.
For the record, the Kapit Peace-Making Agreement was signed in 1924 as a formal settlement to end tribal hostilities among the communities in the upper Rajang.
It remains one of the most defining moments in Sarawak’s history of peacebuilding.
