Sarawak's Malay Wisma should be used as a center of science and culture - Brother Johari

KUCHING, 11 Nov: Wisma Melayu Sarawak is expected to become a centre of empowerment for the Malay community, especially in education, culture, community economic development and science expansion.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that the role of the institution should not be limited to the physical beauty of its buildings, but rather should be utilized as a platform contributing to the development of Malay society as a whole.

"However, the real value of Wisma Melayu lies not only in its physical beauty but also in its ability to be at the centre of scientific, cultural, community development and economic activity", he said.

He said this during his speech at the Sarawak Malay Wisma Inauguration Meeting in Kuching, tonight.

According to him, Wisma Melayu Sarawak should also be a meeting place for younger generations to exchange views, plan for the future and play a role in defending the heritage and identity of Malay society.

"I hope this centre is a meeting place for Malay children to think about the future. For the Malays to defend culture", he said.

Johari also hopes that the institute can play a role as a centre for documentation, research and development of Malay culture through cooperation with higher education institutions, researchers, art activists and community organizations.

He said the effort to preserve Malay heritage should be strengthened through a more systematic approach, including using digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to document ancient manuscripts, oral history recordings and the development of digital archives.

"This approach allows Sarawak's Malay cultural treasures to be preserved and accessible for future generations", he said.

Meanwhile, he stressed the importance of education as a foundation for improving the socio-economic status of Malay society, in addition to encouraging younger generations to equip themselves with knowledge and skills to face changing global economic landscape.

He said that the younger generation of Malays in Sarawak should also strive to master new economic areas including digital economy and space economy in order to be able to compete in an increasingly challenging economic environment.

In conclusion, Brother Johari hoped that Wisma Melayu Sarawak can continue to be an institution that strengthens heritage, strengthens knowledge, develops community economy and fosters community unity.

Sarawak Malay Wisma is equipped with various facilities including the Main Hall, foundation administrative offices, Malay Resource Centre and surau, while the Sarawak Malay Culture Museum is under planning.

Its main hall can accommodate about 2,000 people for conferences and 1,500 people for dinners, thus providing space for various social, educational and cultural activities.

The Sarawak Museum of Malay Civilization is expected to house a collection of history, manuscripts, artifacts and cultural heritage of the Malay people and society as a whole.