KUCHING: Effective record management plays a crucial role in safeguarding Sarawak’s rights and its people.
In stating this State Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, said Sarawak is moving towards becoming a digital government.
“With comprehensive and reliable records, government departments can provide the best services to the people and expedite workflow,” he said during the Sarawak State Public Service Record Management Assessment and Recognition Awards (APRENAS) here today (June 26).
“In our efforts to restore Sarawak’s rights under the MA63 agreement, the importance of records as the basis and evidence for our claims is evident.
“Without these records, it would be difficult for us to assert strong claims to the federal government,” he added.
Towards this end Abu Bakar said the construction of a new state archive building aligns perfectly with the need to preserve valuable archival records.
“This step will ensure that records generated by the Sarawak Civil Service are preserved as documentary heritage for future generations’ reference. Any future disputes can be resolved quickly and accurately based on valid and precise records,” he explained.
APRENAS 2024 is part of the World Archive Week celebrations held from June 24-26.
“ The awards aim to recognise public servants for their efforts and initiatives in implementing record management requirements as per legal and guideline recommendations, motivating departments to strive harder to improve their record management practices,”he said.
The APRENAS 2024 programme featured awards such as Best City Council/City Hope Award, Best City Council/City Award, Best Department Record Officer Award, and Certificate of Participation and Appreciation all of which were presented by Abu Bakar.
The Best Sarawak Public Service Record Management Assessment and Recognition Award (APRENAS) 2023 (City and Municipal Authority level) was won by the Kuching South City Council(MBKS).
The Sarawak State Public Service Record Management Assessment and Recognition Award (APRENAS) 2023 (City and Municipal Authority level) Hope Award was won by the Kuching North City Council (DBKU), while the Best Department Record Officer Award 2023 (City and Municipal Authority level) was awarded to Stephanie Chimbi from the Kota Samarahan City Council.
Also launched was the Sarawak State Library publication: Manual for Preparation of File Classification for Sarawak Government Departments and Agencies.
Also present at this event were Datuk Dr Abang Abdul Rauf Abang Zen, Chairman of the Sarawak State Library Management Board, Datuk Dr Rashidah Bolhassaan, Deputy Chairman of the Sarawak State Library Management Board, Datuk Lo Khere Chiang, Member of the Sarawak State Library Board, and Japri Bujang, Chief Executive Officer of the Sarawak State Library.
