KUCHING: Museums play an important role in maintaining and protecting Malaysia’s historical and cultural heritage.
Minister of National Unity Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said they are also an agent to strengthen the identity of a democratic and sovereign society, adding that his ministry has always supported the efforts of the Malaysian Museum Department in uplifting and dignifying museum institutions as important entities in the country.
“My ministry welcomes departments or agencies to establish synergistic cooperation in implementing programmes based on the country’s history, culture, and nature as a platform towards uniting a community that is rich in various races, cultures, languages, customs, beliefs and way of life.
“Programmes like this prove that unity and cooperation between museums and other institutions involved as well as community involvement can contribute to continuous social development, especially in the formation and strengthening of community identity.
“It is in line with the main goal of the National Unity Policy to foster, strengthen and preserve unity among the people. It is also significant with the development of MADANI society based on national integration centred on rules of life, avoiding conflict and hostility that can cause division,” he said.
Aaron was speaking at the national-level International Museum Day held at Borneo Cultures Museum, which was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg today.
Themed ‘Museum, Sustainability, and Well-being’, he said it is highly fitting as museums are among the key contributors to the well-being and sustainable development of societies worldwide.
“As a trusted institution and an integral part of a country’s social fabric, museums are uniquely positioned to create a more comprehensive impact and foster positive changes among the public,” he said.
With various activities having been planned for this year’s celebration from July 31 to August 5, Aaron was confident that the activities bodes well with the concept of unity in diversity to preserve the harmony of the multi-racial community in the state.
Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, MTCP Deputy Ministers Datuk Sebastian Ting and Datuk Snowdan Lawan, and Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk John Sikie Tayai.
