KUCHING: The Sarawak State Library (Amendment) Bill, 2026 aims to strengthen and modernise the governance, functions and administration of the Sarawak State Library to ensure they remain aligned with the institution’s evolving role and responsibilities.

Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the amendments to the Sarawak State Library Ordinance, 1999 would also provide a clearer legal framework to ensure more effective library management.

“This Bill is not merely intended to update the provisions of the existing ordinance, but also to establish a clearer governance framework and the necessary legal foundation for the Sarawak State Library to effectively carry out its expanding responsibilities,” he said.

He was speaking when tabling the Bill for its second reading during the Second Sitting of the Fifth Session of the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.

Dato Sri Roland Sagah said the key proposed changes included clarifying the roles and powers of the minister responsible for the library, including the authority to issue directions to the Board regarding the discharge of its functions and responsibilities.

He said the amendments would also empower the Sarawak State Library to establish, manage and maintain commemorative archives to preserve historical materials relating to prominent figures, events and the state’s heritage for the benefit of future generations.

In addition, he said the Bill sought to streamline the governance structure by clearly defining the respective responsibilities of the State Cabinet, minister and Board, including matters relating to the appointment of Board members and the management of government property used by the library.

The amendments would also introduce a more practical mechanism allowing the State Cabinet to amend the Schedules to the ordinance through notifications in the Government Gazette, without having to amend the principal ordinance each time a change was required.

He said the amendments were important to ensure the Sarawak State Library remained capable of preserving records, knowledge, history and Sarawak’s collective memory for future generations. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Nur Nabilla
Photo: Hazrin Sunaini
Translator: Uilson Ng