Unity Minister: National Archives must evolve, bring history closer to people
The National Archives of Malaysia must enter a new era by expanding its role beyond preserving the nation’s historical heritage to bringing history closer to the ...
Source: DayakDaily · October 1, 2026 at 10:32 AM · AI-assisted report
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KUCHING, 1 OCTOBER 2026 —
KUCHING, Oct 1 (2026) – Malaysia’s Minister of National Unity Dato Sri Aaron Ago Dagang urged the National Archives of Malaysia to move beyond its traditional custodial role and become a “living archive” that brings history closer to the people, stressing the need for greater digital access and public participation during his welcome address at the Statesman Lecture of the Sarawak History International Conference 2.0 2026.
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The minister’s remarks signal a shift in how the nation’s archival institution is expected to function. Historically, the National Archives has been tasked with preserving Malaysia’s documentary heritage, safeguarding records that chronicle the country’s past.
Aaron highlighted that international developments are increasingly emphasizing not only the preservation of historical material but also its accessibility, urging the Archives to align with these trends and transform into a platform where history is “accessible, understood and collectively owned by the people.”
Speaking at Wisma Melayu Sarawak, Aaron said the change was essential to ensure that history remains a collective memory that links generations and reinforces nation‑building efforts. “The time has come for the National Archives of Malaysia to enter a new era of relevance, moving beyond merely preserving history towards bringing history closer to the people, because a living archive is one that is accessible, understood and collectively owned by the people,” he said.
He added that a living archive must be “accessible, understood and collectively owned,” echoing the call for broader public engagement.
Aaron framed history as the foundation of nation‑building, noting that Malaysia’s unity is rooted not only in shared territories but also in a sense of belonging, common values and shared aspirations. He pointed to the country’s diverse identities and experiences, including Sarawak’s distinct historical development and the formation of Malaysia under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), as essential components of the national story.
“Understanding Malaysia’s history is vital in enabling society to appreciate differences in our historical roots while identifying the common ground that unites us as one nation,” he said, underscoring the role of historical awareness in fostering social cohesion.
The Ministry of National Unity, Aaron said, will continue to broaden public discourse on history and nation‑building. He announced that the ministry will host a Nation‑Building Conference on Nov 30 2026, which will further the agenda of strengthening digital access and encouraging public participation in appreciating and engaging with the nation’s historical heritage.
The minister affirmed that these initiatives are part of an ongoing effort to make the nation’s past more tangible and relevant to everyday Malaysians.
Among the dignitaries attending the conference were Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, as well as Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, underscoring high‑level support for the archival reform agenda.
Concluding his speech, Aaron reiterated the ministry’s commitment to evolve the National Archives into a dynamic institution that serves as a bridge between Malaysia’s past and its future generations. The upcoming Nation‑Building Conference on Nov 30 2026 will serve as the next platform to advance this vision, marking a concrete step toward a more inclusive and digitally enabled historical narrative for the nation.