Awang Tengah (second right) browses through the just launched book. On his right is Henry.

LAWAS: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan calls for the publication of more books that document ‘the treasures of the local knowledge, the people and the heritage of each district in Sarawak’.

He believes that such books can help present and future generations learn more about their roots.

“The state government supports the efforts by the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) in researching, documenting and broadcasting our treasures across various media.

“I hope this would be carried to the next level – into the international arena – in showcasing Sarawak,” he said in his speech for the launch of a book entitled ‘Lawas: Memugar Khazanah, Melestari Peradaban’ (Lawas: Invigorating The Treasure, Sustaining The Civilisation) by DBP and Lawas District Office at Hotel Seri Malaysia here on Friday.

Adding on, Awang Tengah said the Sarawak government would always be supportive of initiatives meant ‘to enlighten future generations’.

He also commended DBP, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UITM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Malaya (UM) and Lawas District Office for their two-year collaboration in documenting the multi-faceted aspects of heritage and legacy in Lawas, including those of the indigenous heritage communities.

These facets, he said, covered the early history of Lawas, its economy, political figures, tourism, as well as language and correspondence.

“Sarawak is rich in local knowledge across various fields, much of which has yet to be highlighted and documented for the viewing of Malaysians or the international communities.”

Awang Tengah also pointed out that the local knowledge of the medicinal properties of plants here had the potential of producing promising breakthroughs – one tree species in Lawas had been selected for research on its anti-cancer properties.

Additionally, he said the Sarawak government would support work by those wanting to showcase Sarawak, in the country and overseas, through books and other platforms.

Meanwhile, DBP Sarawak director Abdul Wahab Hamzah expressed appreciation to Awang Tengah and all those involved for the strong support and contribution in producing the book, slated for the benefit of future generations.

Lawas MP Datuk Henry Sum Agong was among those witnessing the launch.