Baru urges state government to document indigenous data for communities whose languages are critically endangered

KUCHING, May 13 2026: The state government, through the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC), has been urged to work closely with indigenous communities and subject-matter experts, to begin systematically documenting and digitising indigenous data, particularly for communities whose languages are critically endangered.

Caption: Ba'Kelalan SLM Baru Bian says that Sarawak has the potential to become a global centre for research into indigenous customs, cultures and languages 

Ba’Kelalan state legislative member (SLM) Baru Bian said with the extraordinary diversity of indigenous communities, Sarawak has the potential to become a global centre for research into indigenous customs, cultures and languages.

He noted that Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar at the opening of the state assembly sitting on Monday had rightly emphasized that Sarawak’s ethnic diversity, languages, customs and ways of life must be preserved and documented amid rapid modernization and tourism development.

He said he is aware that the Sarawak Consultation on Indigenous Data for the UN Data Governance Submission was convened, bringing together local and international experts in areas ranging from adat to artificial intelligence.

 “The consultation recognized that while Sarawak has made significant progress under the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy and the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, one critical area remains underdeveloped — Indigenous Data Governance,” he added.

He noted that the Indigenous Data Governance recognizes the rights of indigenous communities to own, control, access and govern data relating to their peoples, knowledge systems, customs, territories and resources, consistent with the principles enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

He said the “indigenous data” includes any information, in any format, concerning indigenous peoples, including their languages, cultural practices, genetic data, environments and traditional knowledge.

“However, before such rights can be effectively protected, the data itself must first be documented and preserved.

“The United Nations General Assembly published a study on The Right of Indigenous Peoples to Data, including Data Collection and Disaggregation.

“The study noted that artificial intelligence technologies, including machine learning and natural language processing, can assist in preserving indigenous languages, oral histories and cultural practices.

“At the same time, it cautioned that all digitization efforts must respect indigenous peoples’ rights to self-determination, free prior and informed consent (FPIC), participation in decision-making, privacy, and intellectual property,” he said.

 

 

 

"State government intensifying efforts to expedite resolutions on outstanding issues under MA63"

KUCHING, May 13 2026: Deputy Minister of Law, Malaysia Agreement 1963 and State-Federal Relations Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali said that the Sarawak government has always intensified efforts to expedite the resolution of outstanding issues under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) through a structured and continuous negotiation approach with the federal government. 

Caption: Deputy Minister Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali says that the state government is prioritisng core issues of MA63 

She said among the main efforts are active involvement in the MA63 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) as well as technical and parent committees to ensure that each issue is discussed regularly and monitored periodically.

“The state government is also prioritising core issues of MA63 such as state financial rights, administrative autonomy, and increasing parliamentary seats to ensure that solutions are made in a focused and effective manner,” she said when replying to questions from Tamin state legislative member (SLM) Christopher Gira Sambang.

She added the state government is also strengthening the monitoring mechanism for the implementation of MA63 through a structured monitoring system to ensure that each negotiation decision is followed by clear follow-up actions.

She said state government is making effort to coordinate the state and federal agencies to expedite the implementation of agreed decisions.

”The use of a phased implementation approach to ensure that complex issues can be resolved in an orderly and effective manner.

“Currently, the resolution of outstanding issues of MA63 requires continuous scrutiny as it involves various aspects of legislation, policies and the consent of various parties.

“However, the Sarawak government will remain committed to implementing a constructive negotiation approach through existing platforms to ensure that all MA63 issues can be resolved progressively and thoroughly,” she added.

 

Establishment of Ombudsman Select Committee is a vital step towards strengthening governance, accountability

KUCHING, May 13 2026: Tamin state legislative member (SLM) Christopher Gira Sambang stressed that the establishment of the Ombudsman Special Select Committee is a vital step towards strengthening governance, accountability and institutional integrity in Sarawak.

Caption: Tamin SLM Christopher Gira Gambang  emphasises that the committee would play a crucial role in enhancing transparency and strengthening public confidence in government institutions.

He said the committee is not merely symbolic but serves as an important mechanism to ensure transparency, effective oversight and proper scrutiny of policies, implementation, public expenditure and government administration.

He noted that with the public becoming increasingly educated and having greater access to information, there is a growing expectation for the legislature to function as a credible institution capable of monitoring government performance professionally and effectively.

“With an increasingly informed and aware public, there is a growing expectation for the legislature not only to debate issues but also to function as a credible institution capable of monitoring government performance effectively,” he said when debating the motion on the appointment of a Special Select Committee at the state legislative assembly (SLA).

He highlighted the challenges faced at the grassroots level, particularly in rural areas, saying that such issues such as water supply, delayed infrastructure projects, digital connectivity and public service delivery require more structured and in-depth follow-up beyond conventional debates.

“The proposed committee would enable the August House to carry out more substantive roles including calling relevant agencies for explanations, examining technical reports, engaging stakeholders and recommending institutional improvements,” he explained.

The Tamin Assemblyman further emphasised that the committee would play a crucial role in enhancing transparency and strengthening public confidence in government institutions.

“Transparency builds confidence. Confidence builds stability and stability drives development,” he said.

In addition, he described the committee as a platform to bring the voice of the people into the government’s governance framework, ensuring that public concerns are more effectively represented.

He said the committee would allow for more comprehensive examination of issues affecting ordinary Sarawakians including project delays, implementation weaknesses, bureaucratic challenges, rural infrastructure and service delivery systems.

“The governance reforms must be inclusive and not confined to urban areas but must also reflect the realities and needs of rural communities across Sarawak,” he said.