Accra:Sarawak The Sarawak Legislative Assembly has passed the Sarawak State Library (Amendment) Bill 2026, aimed at enhancing the governance, functions, and operations of the Sarawak State Library.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the bill was introduced by Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, the Sarawak Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, and was approved by a majority vote following a debate involving 15 assemblymen.

The State Library has undergone continuous development since the original ordinance was enacted in 1999. The last amendment to the ordinance occurred in December 2019, and since then, the library's organization, duties, and operational needs have evolved. Sagah emphasized the necessity of reviewing the legislative framework to ensure the library meets the current expectations and supports Sarawak's rapid development.

The amendment bill aims not only to update the Principal Ordinance but also to establish a clearer governance framework and a statutory foundation to effectively address the State Library's evolving responsibilities. Key changes include a clarification of the roles and responsibilities of the minister overseeing the State Library and granting the library the authority to establish, manage, and maintain memorial archives.