KUCHING: Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg has encouraged local writers and researchers to produce historical works that reflect Sarawak’s past from the perspective of its own people.

Speaking at the Sarawak Premier’s Best Book Award ceremony held at a leading hotel here on Friday, he proposed two key topics as potential areas for historical exploration — the story of Bukit Sadok and the role of Rentap, as well as the historical significance of Lidah Tanah and Siniawan, both of which once served as influential administrative centres in Sarawak.

“One topic worth exploring is the narrative surrounding Bukit Sadok and the role played by Rentap. If possible, such research should be approached from our own perspective, grounded in our own historical context.

“This is because there are elements within the narrative that relate to piracy, and it is important to examine whether there is any factual connection between Rentap and piracy.

“Hence, a comprehensive study is necessary, and perhaps an appropriate title could be ‘Bukit Sadok Rentap’, allowing us to document this part of history in greater detail,” he said.

On the second proposal, the Premier suggested a study on the areas of Lidah Tanah and Siniawan, which he described as the original "seat of power" before the advent of Rajah James Brooke’s administration.

“The second title could be ‘Merpati Jepang Datuk Patinggi Ali: Seat of Power in Sarawak’, as at that time, Sarawak was not the state we know today. The governing region extended from Lidah Tanah to Siniawan, and the true seat of power was located in Lidah Tanah.

“There is a wealth of historical value in the pre- and early-Brooke era centred around Lidah Tanah and Siniawan,” he added.

Citing the historical importance of these sites, the Premier explained that his administration had approved the construction of a four-lane highway from Kuching to Bau passing through Siniawan to encourage tourists to visit and understand the heritage tied to Lidah Tanah and Siniawan.

He further noted that the historical connection includes the presence of Malay settlements in Siniawan, where strong unity existed between the local Malay and Bidayuh communities.

“Therefore, books written on these topics from our own historical viewpoint, using verifiable sources, would serve as a valuable contribution and inspire our people to pursue fact-based writing,” he said.

In line with this, the Premier also announced an increase in the cash prizes for the Sarawak Premier’s Best Book Award. The prize for the External Publisher category has been raised from RM5,000 to RM10,000, while the award for the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) category has increased from RM8,000 to RM15,000.

He stated that the increment aims to encourage the publication of higher-quality, factual literature for future generations.

At the conclusion of the event, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari presented awards to the winners.

In the DBP category, the book 'Empurau: Ikan Eksotik Sarawak', co-authored by Emilyn Badut, Mohd Saiful Maifin, and Siti Hawa Mohamad Ali, received RM8,000 in cash, a certificate of recognition, and a companion book published by DBP.

In the External Publisher category, 'Negeri Santubong: Sejarah Awal Sarawak 300 ESS–1647 ES' by Datu Dr Sanib Said won RM5,000 in cash, along with a certificate and a companion DBP publication.

Also in attendance were Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman), Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya, Daro Assemblyman, Safiee Ahmad, departmental heads and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews