EN | MY

Sarawak State Library

Read.Innovate.Excel

Sarawak needs good archive

Posted on 16 November 2016

Kuching: Sarawak needs a good archive to serve as its major cultural and resources
centre as well as a tool for the government to plan intelligently for the future, based on awareness of past experiences

`Most importantly, the archive is a source of historical record that can help us to understand ourselves better and create a sense of identity among us-our unique Sarawak identity,` said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Haji Adenan Satem, whose text of speech was read by Assistant Minister for Arts and Culture Datuk John Sikei Tayai at the inaugural Records and Archives Seminar 2016 at Hilton Kuching on Monday Night

Adenan said government department and agencies must make a point to collaborate
with the State Library (Pustaka Sarawak) concerning the management of their records.

`Without records, there will be no archive. If record are not maintained, processed, preserved properly, we lost a major part of our history, our local knowledge and our intellectual heritage.

`The Sarawak State Library Ordinance clearly states Pustakas role in the keeping of public records which have historical or archival values and other document, papers, instrument and statues, statutory orders, regulations or decrees as directed by the State Secretary, to be maintained, preserved and kept in the State Depository on account of their historical value or public importance,` he said.

The Chief Minister said he believed that the latest technology and best practices of record management presented at the seminar would provide some significant breakthroughs that would help to preserve the history of Sarawak.

`It is fitting that this seminar enables us to listen to distinguished speakers from within and outside Sarawak who share with us the best practices in their countries on records and archives issues.

`I sincerely hope that this seminar is a catalyst to drive further the effort in managing the records and archive in the Sarawak Civil Services and within the community at large.

`Improving records management will actually improve performance, transparency and accountability by better documentation of an agencies action and decisions. Modernised records management will also help the government to optimise cost for effective and efficient operations,` Adenan pointed out.

Meanwhile, State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani
said the overall objectives of seminar were to create awareness on the importance of record and archives management in the State Public Service and also acted as a medium for information sharing session and network for the better management of public records.

`This seminar will ensure awareness amongst the community on the importance of records and archives for development and sustainability of Sarawaks history and heritage,` he said.

`As we strive to be a world class public service, we must also ensure that our records are stored in conditions that protect them from all harmful agent. We must maintain records that meet legal and regulatory requirements records that are reliable, authentic, useable and able to provide consistency, continuity and productivity in management and administration` said Morshidi.

He thanked the seminar participants from archives, libraries and museums from Australia, South Korea, Brunei, Singapore and Indonesia for willing to share their experiences in records management.

Also present at the event was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pustaka Sarawak Hajah Rashidah Bolhassan