Abang Johari (second row fifth right) is seen with this year’s winners. He is flanked by Lee (on his left) and Ik Pahon. Yong is at second row seventh right.
KUCHING: The state is currently in the process of seeking the return of all artifacts taken from Sarawak, particularly those being kept in Europe.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg pointed out that the artifacts should be on display at the Sarawak Museum Campus once it is completed.
He said Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is currently in Europe to negotiate the return of some of the artifacts.
“These artifacts are an important part of Sarawakian history. We hope that they could be displayed back home here, where they belong,” Abang Johari said at the seventh Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Awards (SHTA) Gala Dinner on Friday.
He said the state government is also seeking artifacts taken by Alfred Russel Wallace in order to create a centre in Santubong where the British naturalist did significant research in the 19th century.
Abang Johari also called on Sarawakians to do their best to promote their home state.
“We have a lot of facilities provided for the people of Sarawak such as facilities for digital economy, tourism, business and many more. All it takes is for the people to use it and learn how it can help them,” he said.
He said Sarawak should be seen as a corporation working to sell its products, with himself as chief executive officer.
Among those present were Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin; Datu Ik Pahon Joyik – permanent secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports; and Sarawak Tourism Federation president Philip Yong.