KUCHING: Archives play a vital role in ensuring that the rights of the people and the state can be defended based on authentic, organised, and accessible records for current and future generations.

Sarawak Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali said that historical records and official documents serve not only as references but also as crucial evidence in strengthening Sarawak's position and claims under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

"I urge all parties to continue supporting efforts to preserve records and archival materials to ensure that these important documents of the Sarawak Territory are well-preserved, strategically digitised, professionally managed, and utilised for the benefit of the people.

"A robust archive will strengthen administration, enrich research, support transparency, and serve as the foundation for justice across generations," she said.

She said this while speaking at the Opening Ceremony and Forum of the International Archives Week 2026 at Pustaka Negeri Sarawak on Monday.

She added that this year's global celebration theme, #ArchivesForJustice: Rights, Memory & Futures, reminds society that archives are not merely storage spaces for old documents, but are vital institutions that support justice, preserve rights, and build the foundation of knowledge for the future.

In the meantime, Datuk Sharifah hopes that this forum will yield insights, recommendations, and a clearer understanding of the relationship between archives, MA63, and the future of Sarawak.

She remarked that the discussions taking place today should trigger more research, documentation, knowledge sharing, and cooperation among government agencies, educational institutions, communities, and researchers.

Also present were Batu Kitang Assemblyman and Pustaka Negeri Sarawak Management Board Member Dato Ir Lo Khere Chiang, Pustaka Negeri Sarawak Management Board Chairman Datuk Dr Abang Abdul Rauf Abang Zenm as well as other dignitaries. — UKASnews

Prepared by: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Translator: Ryan Lim