(Kuching, 24th) Sarawak's Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari, has called on writers and researchers to create works about Sarawak's local history from the community's own perspective, to better preserve and spread important historical memories.
He proposed two historical themes that could serve as subjects for creation, namely the anti-British warrior Rentap and the Battle of Bukit Sadok, as well as the historical background of early political centers—Lidah Tanah and Siniawan.
“One of the themes worth in-depth study is the story of 'Bukit Sadok and Rentap.' If possible, it should be approached from our perspective to articulate this experience based on our history. Since this history also involves the pirate issue at that time, it is worth further exploring whether Rentap had any association with pirates.”
“Therefore, I suggest conducting a comprehensive study, possibly named 'Bukit Sadok Rentap,' allowing us to record this crucial history more deeply and systematically.”
He made these remarks while attending the “Sarawak Premier's Best Book Awards” ceremony last night.
Abang Johari also proposed another writing direction, focusing on the histories of Lidah Tanah and Siniawan. He noted that prior to the arrival of Rajah James Brooke, these areas were the core regions of Sarawak's governance.
“The second suggested theme could be 'Datuk Patinggi Ali: The Governance Center of Sarawak.' At that time, Sarawak's territory was different from today, with its jurisdiction extending from Lidah Tanah to Siniawan, and the governance center at Lidah Tanah. Many significant events during the early and James Brooke periods took place here.”
He also explained that this is why the government is promoting the construction of a four-lane highway leading to Bau, bypassing Siniawan, allowing tourists to visit related historical sites.
He further pointed out that this history also reflects the spirit of unity between the Malay community of Siniawan and the Bidayuh people, inseparable from these histories of ethnic harmony.
“We should write these works from a historical perspective, combining reliable documents and historical materials, to encourage society to create more substantiated and persuasive historical literature.”
To further inspire creation, he also announced an increase in the cash prizes for the “Sarawak Prime Minister’s Best Book Awards”: For the external publications category, the cash prize increased from 5,000 MYR to 10,000 MYR; for the DBP (Language and Literature Bureau) publications category, the cash prize increased from 8,000 MYR to 15,000 MYR.
He stated that this move aims to encourage creators to provide higher quality, fact-based publications for future generations.
At the award ceremony, he personally presented awards to the winners. Winning works included in the DBP publication category: 'Empurau: Ikan Eksotik Sarawak,' co-authored by Emilyn Badut, Mohd Saiful Maifin, and Siti Hawa Mohamad Ali, winning an 8,000 MYR cash prize, a certificate, and a book published by DBP;
In the external publication category: 'Negeri Santubong: Sejarah Awal Sarawak 300 ESS–1647 ES,' written by Datu Dr Sanib Said, winning a 5,000 MYR cash prize, a certificate, and a book published by DBP.
He proposed two historical themes that could serve as subjects for creation, namely the anti-British warrior Rentap and the Battle of Bukit Sadok, as well as the historical background of early political centers—Lidah Tanah and Siniawan.
“One of the themes worth in-depth study is the story of 'Bukit Sadok and Rentap.' If possible, it should be approached from our perspective to articulate this experience based on our history. Since this history also involves the pirate issue at that time, it is worth further exploring whether Rentap had any association with pirates.”
“Therefore, I suggest conducting a comprehensive study, possibly named 'Bukit Sadok Rentap,' allowing us to record this crucial history more deeply and systematically.”
He made these remarks while attending the “Sarawak Premier's Best Book Awards” ceremony last night.
Abang Johari also proposed another writing direction, focusing on the histories of Lidah Tanah and Siniawan. He noted that prior to the arrival of Rajah James Brooke, these areas were the core regions of Sarawak's governance.
“The second suggested theme could be 'Datuk Patinggi Ali: The Governance Center of Sarawak.' At that time, Sarawak's territory was different from today, with its jurisdiction extending from Lidah Tanah to Siniawan, and the governance center at Lidah Tanah. Many significant events during the early and James Brooke periods took place here.”
He also explained that this is why the government is promoting the construction of a four-lane highway leading to Bau, bypassing Siniawan, allowing tourists to visit related historical sites.
He further pointed out that this history also reflects the spirit of unity between the Malay community of Siniawan and the Bidayuh people, inseparable from these histories of ethnic harmony.
“We should write these works from a historical perspective, combining reliable documents and historical materials, to encourage society to create more substantiated and persuasive historical literature.”
To further inspire creation, he also announced an increase in the cash prizes for the “Sarawak Prime Minister’s Best Book Awards”: For the external publications category, the cash prize increased from 5,000 MYR to 10,000 MYR; for the DBP (Language and Literature Bureau) publications category, the cash prize increased from 8,000 MYR to 15,000 MYR.
He stated that this move aims to encourage creators to provide higher quality, fact-based publications for future generations.
At the award ceremony, he personally presented awards to the winners. Winning works included in the DBP publication category: 'Empurau: Ikan Eksotik Sarawak,' co-authored by Emilyn Badut, Mohd Saiful Maifin, and Siti Hawa Mohamad Ali, winning an 8,000 MYR cash prize, a certificate, and a book published by DBP;
In the external publication category: 'Negeri Santubong: Sejarah Awal Sarawak 300 ESS–1647 ES,' written by Datu Dr Sanib Said, winning a 5,000 MYR cash prize, a certificate, and a book published by DBP.