Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has argued that the epic Hollywood feature film ‘Rajah’ is not about glorifying the Brookes’ rule in the state.
He said this in reply to Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Kota Sentosa) during the debate on the Sarawak Heritage Bill 2019 yesterday.
Karim said the film did not glorify the Brookes but would provide a narrative of their rule in the state.
“The film is a mixture of everything. It even includes a love story.
“From my angle, and the ministry’s point of view, I hope the film becomes a box office. Once it becomes a box office. Sarawak will be much known to the outside world,” he pointed out.
He added the Brookes had brought some benefits to the state which could not be denied.
“You cannot erase history. If the British had ruled Sarawak, I don’t think you would be sitting here and we would not be in part of this debate (Sarawak Heritage Bill).
“The British rule did bring something good to us, we cannot erase that. So from there, we learn from history and how we can live better,” he said.
Abdul Karim added the Sarawak government also recognised the sacrifices of Chinese leader Liu Shan Bang and Malay leader Syarif Masahor Muhammad Al-Shahab.
Chong had earlier on said that the Sarawak government had placed too much emphasis on the White Rajahs, to an extent of even making a film on them.
“What I meant was that in the recent years, it seems that the state government has been glorifying the White Rajahs.
“I did not say this film alone glorifies or not glorifies the White Rajah. But there are Brookes’ descendants coming to Sarawak,” he said.
Chong said the state government must also put more emphasis on the other local heroes as well.
“It is my view that the state government has over emphasised the history and over beautified the conquest and colononisation of Sarawak by the White Rajahs,” he added.
