KUCHING: The coming State Legislative Assembly (DUN) will table amendments to the Sarawak Cultural Heritage Ordinance 1993 and allocate a good amount of fund to support their application.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg stated that the purpose was an effort to preserve the state’s Malay heritage.
“We will preserve the historical sites and structures, as well as the culture of our community throughout the state.
“Once gazetted under a certain heritage category, it cannot be jeopardised by any party,” he said when speaking at a ceremony of Temasya Warisan Old Kuching Smart Heritage (OKSHE) 2019 held at Padang Merdeka here, yesterday.
Abang Johari further stated that the state government will continue to improve the heritage facilities and infrastructure in the state.
“We (state government) pledge to be fair to every race but at the same time we will not let the Malay culture to be left behind,” he continued.
He also reminded Sarawak Malays to stay united in order to achieve success in the future.
He commented that the next generation shall equip themselves with the latest information and knowledge including those related to the state government’s policy which puts focus on digital economy.
“I introduced the concept for everyone to benefit (from it). Thus, the Malays should also contribute,” he said.
On Sept 26, Sarawak Museum Department acting director Suria Bujang revealed that the tabling of Sarawak Heritage Bill 2019 in the coming DUN would include three new components — Underwater Heritage, the Heritage Council and the Heritage Trust Fund.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is expected to table the Bill which, once passed, will be known as Sarawak Heritage Ordinance 2019.
