PETALING JAYA: In an era where information accessibility is paramount, the nation’s archives must be accessible, inclusive, and reflective of diverse narratives, says Deputy Minister of National Unity, Senator Saraswathy Kandasami.
She said this when officially launching the International Archives Week 2024 and the Local Authority Records Management Awareness Programme at the Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya Civic Hall, Thursday (June 13).
“This year’s theme, #CyberArchives, aptly reflects the evolving landscape of archival science in the digital age.
“The term ‘cyber,’ first coined by William Gibson in his 1984 novel Neuromancer shows the importance of integrating advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Cloud Computing into archival practices,” she said.
The week-long celebration, she added, organised by the National Archives, features a series of events and programmes, both physical and virtual, from June 7 to 14.
She added that these activities are designed to align with the initiatives “This is Our Heritage” and “Foster Unity” under the Ministry of National Unity, aiming to promote national integration and an informed society.
She went on to congratulate the National Archives for their dedicated efforts in digital transformation and professional development.
The launch also marked the commencement of the Local Authority Records Management Awareness Programme in collaboration with the Petaling Jaya City Council.
She expressed hope that similar initiatives would extend to other state and statutory agencies, reinforcing the government’s commitment to transparency and good governance through effective records management.
With an eye on future developments, she announced the near completion of amendments to the National Archives Act 2003 (Act 629), aimed at enhancing the legal framework for archival materials as evidence in judicial and legislative processes. This move, she asserted, would bolster the role of archives in upholding individual rights and societal accountability.
“Your professionalism and adaptability in the face of rapid technological advancements are vital to ensuring that our National Archives remain relevant and resilient,” she stated.
“As the nation gears towards achieving 80 per cent digital service delivery by 2025, the National Archives stands at the forefront, leading initiatives such as the Computerised Archival System and Services (COMPASS), Online Finding Aids (OFA), and the e-Negarawan exploration platform.
“These efforts, aligned with the National Unity Policy, epitomise the spirit of patriotism and democracy envisioned in the Sustainable Development Goals 2030,” she added.
