Kuching: Sarawak will establish a new museum dedicated to showcasing the state's administrative history, from the Brunei Sultanate era to its integration into Malaysia, said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. He said the museum would be developed by renovating a building in Kuching, which will be announced later, and would focus specifically on the evolution of governance in Sarawak.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this initiative complements the network of museums already established in the state, including the Borneo Cultural Museum, which showcases Sarawak's cultural heritage, and the Natural History Museum, which highlights environmental aspects, evolutionary theory, and the state's rich biodiversity. The new museum will also be linked to the upcoming state archives, which will store key historical, economic, cultural, and developmental records.

Abang Johari mentioned that the emphasis of the museum is on the governance of Sarawak, beginning with the Brunei Sultanate, followed by the Brooke administration for 100 years, the colonial era from 1946 to 1963, and finally Sarawak's integration into Malaysia. The museum will focus solely on the history of Sarawak's administration throughout those periods. Several old forts have already been renovated and turned into special museums as part of this effort. For example, the fort in Sri Aman highlights the communist threat and reconciliation efforts, while the one in Kapit displays the peace agreement between the Iban and Orang Ulu communities, forming part of the developing fort trail.

When asked about the timeline, Abang Johari said the project is expected to be completed within five years, as it will require extensive research and academic collaboration to ensure historical accuracy. He emphasized the importance of factual accuracy in the museum, noting that significant research, including collaboration with Brunei, will be necessary to ensure a comprehensive historical narrative.