KUCHING: The Sarawak Government will establish a new museum based on the state’s history of governance and administration.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that the museum will be set up in a building that will undergo renovation, and its exhibitions will chart Sarawak’s administrative journey through different eras.
“This museum will be based on the history of Sarawak’s administration. From the Brunei Sultanate, then into the Brooke era of 100 years, followed by the colony period from 1946 to 1963, and then Malaysia, when Malaysia was formed,” Abang Johari said.
He said this when met by reporters after officiating the closing of the ‘Night in the Museum 2025’ programme at Borneo Cultures Museum here today.
He said that the museum will not only provide a timeline of Sarawak’s governance, but also offer insight into how the state’s administration evolved through historical turning points.
Extensive academic research will underpin the exhibitions.
“A museum is something based on facts. You need to do research on facts, also academic work, before we can showcase it.
“For example, Sarawak under the Brunei Sultanate. You need to do a lot of research with Brunei, with factual evidence,” he explained.
The Premier said the project is part of the state’s ongoing effort to diversify its museum landscape.
“We have created a journey. We have a cultural museum. And we have a natural museum located beside the road, focusing on the environment, especially the theory of evolution and the connection between Wallace and Charles Darwin. And also the role of Ali in the study of this theory of evolution.
“Apart from that, it is about environmental treasures. That is the natural museum.
“And this will be the third museum we want to establish, which focuses on administrative history. This will also be connected with the archive.
“We have a new archive that will store all data regarding Sarawak’s history, including economics, culture, and also tourism – how Sarawak has developed,” he said.
Abang Johari said the new administrative museum is slated to be completed within five years.
“It will not take long – within these five years. It takes time, no need to rush,” he said.
Earlier, in his speech, he said that museums play an important role in preserving data and historical records, which not only help the present generation understand Sarawak’s past, but also provide lessons for shaping the future.
“Our way of life has changed compared to before. In the past, we played traditional games like ‘wau’ (kite) and football; now the younger generation spends time with i-Pads and virtual games.
“Children must know who we are, why our culture is like this, and how we can shape our future together,” he said.
