‘Preserve state’s heritage for posterity’
KUCHING: The rich and diverse heritage of Sarawak’s more than 28 ethnic groups must be preserved for posterity, said Minister of Welfare, Women and Family Development Datuk Fatimah Abdullah.
She said the language, literature, culture, artefacts and crafts ought to be extensively researched and documented.
“Our heritage is precious and local professionals in various fields, such as those who are experts in local dialects, cultures, writings, handicrafts, arts, agricultural practices, history, customs, traditional medicines, music, philosophy, psychology and tourism, must come forward to give a helping hand.
“All these knowledge and findings should be patented so that it will be ours forever,” Fatimah said when launching
Our heritage is precious and local professionals in various fields, such as those who are experts in local dialects, cultures, writings, handicrafts, arts, agricultural practices, history, customs, traditional medicines, music, philosophy, psychology and tourism, must come forward to give a helping hand. Datuk Fatimah Abdullah, Minister of Welfare, Women and Family Development
a ` local wisdom’ programme organised by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka ( DBP) on Monday.
Also present was DBP director Datuk Dr Awang Sariyan.
“Sarawak is a state that still has hidden treasures. All these treasures need to be highlighted and exposed to the local society, as well as for outsiders,” she added
Fatimah said the government gave a grant of RM215,690 to enable DBP to implement the programme.
Awang Sariyan, in his speech, said there were more than 30 local dialects in the state that should be give due attention.
“This is to avoid them becoming extinct,” he said, adding that DBP kicked start the programme last year.
“More than 100 writers are contributing based on their respective fields of expertise. They are working closely with the editors of DBP.”
“We (DBP) aim to publish 30,000 books in 2020.”