Malaysia’s first Judicial Museum opens in KK

0

David (second right) and Tengku Maimun (right) viewing exhibits in the Judicial Museum at Kota Kinabalu Court Complex yesterday.

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah and Sarawak Judicial Museum and Art Gallery were officially opened at the Kota Kinabalu Court Complex, yesterday.

The ceremony was officiated by Chief Justice of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri David Wong Dak Wah and Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Malaysia Tan Sri Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat.

It is the first ever judicial museum in Malaysia, said David, adding that the establishment of the museum and art gallery is timely since for the first time after 56 years, the Registry of the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak moved to Kota Kinabalu on November 15, 2019.

“Ever since the appointment of The Right Honourable Sir Campbell Wylie as the first Chief Justice of Borneo in 1963, the registry of the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak has always been in Kuching.

“Now, for the first time after 56 years, the registry was moved to Kota Kinabalu which is on a 10-year rotation in accordance with Article 121 of the Federal Constitution. The move was historical and ought to be documented as part of Sabah and Sarawak legal history.

“We launch this museum to tell our history that was overlooked since the formation of Malaysia. We are not here just to see this museum for one day, but for the rest of our lives,” he said.

David hoped many people will find a reason to come and visit the museum as well as the art gallery in the courthouse.

“It is my desire, and that of the entire Sabah and Sarawak Judiciary, that we will embrace the museum and dedicate enough time and attention to it.

“The museum serves as a reminder of our shared past – a past that inspires and motivates us to work for a better future. If we have a better understanding of our history, we will lead better lives with love for each other and for our country,” he said.

In his opening address, David said the museum would not only act as a preservation of legal artifacts and legal history, but would also enrich the lives of society by equipping them with judicial knowledge which would in turn promote social justice.

He said social justice promotes a resilient and strong society. Therefore, the significance of the museum to society is immeasurable.

The art gallery is located on levels two and three of the court complex.

The Sabah and Sarawak Judiciary took up the challenge to establish this addition into the courthouse as an effort to cultivate appreciation of art in our society, which is also an enrichment to the respective artists.

A total of 54 artworks themed ‘Marine Life In Art’ are featured at the courthouse from now till March 18. The exhibition includes seven series showcasing marine life, namely Green Turtle Series, Coral Series, Lionfish Series, Pollution Series, Grouper Series, Barracuda Series and Sharks Series.

The Judicial Museum, located on level five of the courthouse, is open to public from Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 4.30pm. The art gallery is also open to public and artworks are available for purchase.