KUCHING: The National Archive is an important repository institution to treasure critical documents for future reference.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the institution plays an important role just like the museum.
“This is important to protect the national heritage. If this institution collapses, we will lose archival records which are repositories of memory and evidence of the nation’s civilisation,” he said at the official opening of the National Archives of Malaysia Sarawak branch premises here on yesterday (Nov 14).
His text of speech was read by Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Abang Johari stressed that authentic archival material was the main source accepted in international courts in proving cases to defend the sovereignty and territorial boundaries of the country covering sea, land and air.
“Malaysia’s experience in facing the issue of demarcation claims illustrates the importance of archival material as strong evidence to support the decision of a case.
“For example, the Pulau Ligitan and Sipadan claim case (2002) sided with Malaysia due to the discovery of records in the archives that showed Malaysia’s activities and control over the islands,” he said.
The Premier emphasised that the establishment of such a building is something to be proud of and needed to be taken care of so that the documents and treasures that exist are preserved for future generations.
Earlier, in his welcoming speech, National Archives of Malaysia director-general Datuk Jaafar Sidek Abdul Rahman revealed that the building was constructed at a cost of RM27 million.
“With the existence of this new infrastructure, the continuity and conservation of valuable historical materials in the country can be carried out.
“Preservation of these historical materials is very important for future generations,” he pointed out.
Sarawak is the fifth state to set up the National Archives of Malaysia repository.
It is located on a 2.9 hectare site in Petra Jaya, here. The archive contains a total of 246,026 materials including records of the Sarawak Broadcasting Department (1923), the records of the Royal Malaysian Customs and Excise Department of Sarawak (1924), the earliest Sarawak Gazette (1939), “The Vanguard 1970”, documents of the Establishment of Malaysia in 1963 and a collection of records of Rajang Area Security Command (RASCOM).
Also present at the event was Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
