Kuala Lumpur:Sarawak Historians, universities, and researchers are being urged to explore Sarawak's history beyond the Brooke administration era to gain a deeper understanding of the region's rich past.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah emphasized the need for more research into the state's history prior to the Brooke dynasty, which began in the mid-19th century.

He highlighted evidence of significant human activity and an early civilization in the Santubong area that predates the Brooke era. Minister Abdul Karim noted that while many history books focus on Rajah Brooke's arrival and his rule, there is insufficient public knowledge about the period before his arrival. He stressed that Sarawak had an existing system of government and civilization before the Brooke dynasty.

These remarks were made during the International Conference on Sarawak History (PASS) 2026.