History texbooks must be reviewed to reflect accurate information on formation of Malaysia, Kim Shin tells education ministry

SIBU, July 21 2026: A Sarawak minister has called for a review of the content of school history textbooks to ensure facts related to the history of Sarawak and the formation of Malaysia are presented accurately and in a balanced manner. 

Caption: Minister Lee Kim Shin pointing to the exhibited historical photographs, saying Sarawak Day on July 22 is a historical moment

Transport Minister Lee Kim Shin said history textbooks need to contain true facts, especially regarding Sarawak's position in the formation of Malaysia, and hoped that the Malaysian Ministry of Education would review the existing content.

“We hope that the history of the formation of Malaysia, especially on historical events involving Sarawak, will be included in history textbooks..

“We hope that the Ministry of Education Malaysia will review the history so that the correct one is taught and learned by Malaysians,” he said after officiating the Sarawak Day 2026 History Exhibition at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang today.

Lee, who is also the minister responsible for the Sarawak Day 2026 celebration, explained that the exhibition was held to introduce Sarawak’s history to the public, starting from the Brunei Sultanate era, the rule of Rajah Brooke, the Japanese occupation, the British administration until Sarawak gained self-government on July 22, 1963.

He said that July 22, 1963 was a historic moment when the British administration handed over the power of government to the people of Sarawak, thus witnessing the formation of the state’s first Cabinet led by the first chief minister, the late Stephen Kalong Ningkan.

He said that the exhibition also displayed various documents related to the formation of Malaysia to provide the public with a more accurate understanding of the country’s history.

The State Legislative Member (SLM) for Senadin said that apart from highlighting the history of Sarawak, the exhibition also highlighted the achievements and progress made by the state since gaining self-government and after the formation of Malaysia.

Lee encouraged more Sarawakians, especially school students, to visit the exhibition to delve into the state's history and appreciate the journey of the formation of Malaysia.

The Sarawak Day History Exhibition 2026 is a collaboration between the Sarawak Economic Planning Unit (EPU), Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS), Sarawak Protocol, Ceremonies and Event Management Unit, Sarawak State Library, Sarawak National Archives, Sarawak Museum Department and TVS.

Also present were the Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Michael Tiang Ming Tee, Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment of Sarawak, Len Talif Salleh, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Administration) Felicia Tan Ya Hua, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dzulkornain Masron and Deputy Resident of Sibu Division, Christopher Ranggau Unting.