Premier encourages Sarawak-centric historical works, proposes focus on Bukit Sadok and Siniawan

Borneo Post

24-05-2025

Abang Johari (centre) during a photo call with other VIPs and winners. – Photo by UKAS
KUCHING (May 24): Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has urged local writers and researchers to produce more fact-based books on Sarawak's history, highlighting the importance of documenting the state's past from a local perspective.
Delivering his keynote address at the Sarawak Premier's Best Book Awards Ceremony 2025 dinner here last night, Abang Johari proposed two historical topics as potential subjects for in-depth research and publication.
The first, he said, should focus on Bukit Sadok and the role of Rentap, a legendary Iban warrior who resisted Brooke rule.
'One of the topics that can be highlighted is the story of Bukit Sadok and the role of Rentap. If possible, the study should be done from our own perspective, based on our history.
'This is because there is a connection between the story and the issue of piracy, and it needs to be probed whether there really is a connection between Rentap and piracy,' he said.
The second topic he proposed covers Lidah Tanah and Siniawan, which he described as historical centres of governance prior to the era of Rajah James Brooke. He suggested that the narrative could explore figures such as Merpati Jepang and Datuk Patinggi Ali, who were influential in those areas.
'Sarawak at that time was not like it is now. The area of governance was from Lidah Tanah to Siniawan, but the 'seat of power' was in Lidah Tanah.'
He also emphasised the importance of studying the relationship between the Bidayuh and Malay communities and the unity that existed between them in the past.
'There are many historical values before and during the reign of James Brooke that revolved around Lidah Tanah and Siniawan,' he said.
In view of this, Abang Johari proposed the construction of a four-lane road to Bau, passing through Siniawan, to attract tourists and promote heritage tourism.
'It is possible to write books from the perspective of our history with the materials that we can document. We encourage writers and researchers to write with facts,' he added.
During the event, the Premier announced an increase in cash prizes for the Sarawak Premier's Best Book Awards to encourage higher quality and fact-based publications.
The prize for the External Publication category has been increased from RM5,000 to RM10,000, while for the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Publication category, the prize has been raised from RM8,000 to RM15,000.
In the DBP Publication category, the book titled Empurau: Ikan Eksotik Sarawak, co-authored by Emilyn Badut, Mohd Saiful Maifin, and Siti Hawa Mohamad Ali, won RM8,000, a letter of recognition, and a copy of the book published by DBP.
In the External Publication category, Negeri Santubong: Sejarah Awal Sarawak 300 ESS–1647 ES by Datu Dr Sanib Said earned the RM5,000 cash prize, along with a letter of recognition and a DBP-published copy.
Among those present at the ceremony were Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya, Daro assemblyman Safiee Ahmad, heads of departments, and other dignitaries. Abang Johari Tun Openg book publication history writers