KUCHING: The older generation of Sarawakians, especially the Chinese, should write down their experiences and knowledge on the state’s history, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan.

CONGRATULATIONS: Dr Chan (third left) with Tan showing the book after the launching while (from right) Cheng, Ramsay, Lee and Junaidi look on.

By so doing, he believed the younger generation would be enlightened on historical events and learn to appreciate the sacrifices of uniformed groups in getting Sarawak to what it is today.

“Sarawakians must be reminded of the sacrifices of civil servants of the past. Some of our young people thought what we have today is dropped out from heaven,” he said before launching a book entitled ‘Indonesia Confrontation and Communist Insurgency 1963-1966’ penned by Gabriel Tan at the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) headquarters here yesterday.

The book is one among those published by the SUPP Research and Resource Centre (R&R) over the last 15 years.

Dr Chan, who is also SUPP president, pointed out that youngsters of today must brace for challenges in life which had never been easy.

“Many youths say life is hard today. I would say that they have no idea what life was like back then. Young people must be reminded of the sacrifices done to make what we are today,” he said.

He reiterated that the older people should not shy away from penning down their experiences as well as the history and changes in Sarawak.

Noting that some books relating to the history and development of the state remained unknown and unread, he urged the SUPP R&R to unearth more similar materials for publication.

Dr Chan also called on generous individuals to come forward to look into the possibility of offering electronic books given that the prices of printed books had risen over the years.

“I hope that generous people will donate us the money so that we can go a step forward to have electronic books because we all know that hardcopies cannot be kept for too long.

“With an electronic version, we are able to keep it longer and it is relatively easier to disseminate,” he said.

Earlier, SUPP R&R chairman Lee Kim Shin, who is also Assistant Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communication, said the centre had recently established a new publishing house under the name of Penerbitan Sehati Sdn Bhd.

“We are also in the process of establishing a Sehati Institute, which is in its nascent state. Once it has matured, it will add another literary panorama in the service of the people,” said Lee.

Lee hoped that more aspiring authors would contribute their experiences, knowledge in any language and avail themselves to the facilities of the centre to further enrich the treasury of literary assets for the future generation.

“Mr Gabriel Tan is a member of the centre since 1998, also a member of our editorial committee. With his vast knowledge and experience in the print and electronic media, he dispenses these to the committee with unselfish fervour.

“His quiet and unassuming demeanour belies that assets. We are indebted to him for his services and contributions,” he said. Lee disclosed that Penerbitan Sehati Sdn Bhd would be publishing three more books by mid 2009.

They are ‘Japanese Occupation’ in English by Gabriel Tan, ‘Sarawak in the throes of war’ in English by the late Lim Beng Hai and ‘Baby Handbook’ in Mandarin by Dr Tan Poh Tin.

Among those present at the launching ceremony weremember of parliament for Santubong cum deputy parliament speaker Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, former deputy commissioner of police Datuk Ramsay Noel Jitam and political secretary to the Chief Minister Cheng Yi.