Sarawak Assembly Passes State Library Amendment Bill

KUCHING, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak Legislative Assembly today passed the Sarawak State Library (Amendment) Bill 2026 to strengthen and modernise the governance, functions and administration of the Sarawak State Library.

Tabled by the Sarawak Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, the bill was passed by a majority vote after 15 assemblymen took part in the debate.

Sagah said the State Library had continued to develop and transform since the Principal Ordinance came into force in 1999.

“The Ordinance was last amended in December 2019, and since then, the organisation, responsibilities and operational requirements of the State Library have continued to evolve.

“Against the backdrop of Sarawak’s rapid development and transformation,  it is timely to review the legislative framework governing the State Library to ensure that it continues to support the role expected of the institution today,” he said.

He said the amendment Bill is intended not merely to update the provisions of the Principal Ordinance, but also to provide the State Library with a clearer governance framework and the statutory foundation necessary to upkeep the State Library with its evolving responsibilities effectively.

Among the key changes introduced under the bill is the clarification of the roles and responsibilities of the Minister in charge of the State Library.

The bill also empowers the State Library to establish, manage and maintain memorial archives.

-- BERNAMA