The Brunei National Archives: Preserving Information For Future Generation

File photo shows Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah (2ndR) viewing the process of digitalising old documents during a working visit to Museum Department at the National Archive building, Jalan Menteri Besar. BT file

RAFIDAH HAMIT

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Thursday, November 27, 2014 - THE National Archives of Brunei Darussalam was established in 1977 to house and preserve for posterity government and public records and historical documents.

Senior archives officer Hj Mohammad Jefri Hj Mohd Sabli said the various roles of the public records office were set out in the National Archives of Brunei Darussalam Act, 1975 (Chapter 116), 1983.

“The centre does not only keep records and archives but also authorises the disposal of public records. This includes identifying, appraising, registering, archiving, securing, preserving and conserving national documentary heritage principals,” he said.

The building also facilitates access to public records for research and reference.

“We also assist in asserting the national agenda in the form of information sharing and education,” he said.

Public consultancy services are also offered in record-keeping management, including conventional and electronic records.

Assistance is also given to ministries, departments, statutory boards and government-owned companies.

“The National Archives building does not only keep old records but recent ones as well, such as documents on the implementation of the Syariah Penal Code Order,” he added.

The Museums Department of Brunei is responsible for the administration and management of archives through the National Archives Act, Brunei, 1975.

The National Archives of Brunei Darussalam became a member of the International Council on Archives (ICA, established in 1948) on July 9, 1981.

In conjunction with the Seminar on the Establishment of the Regional Services and the Fifth SARBICA (South East Asia Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives) General Meeting in Manila, Brunei became a member of the SARBICA on February 1984.

Brunei Darussalam also hosted the Seminar on the Organisation of Archival Exhibitions and the 2nd Meeting of the 8th Executive Board Meeting in 1989, the seminar on Archives Legislation and the 13th Executive Board Meeting and the 16th General Archives Conference and Executive Meetings.

Brunei Darussalam was also appointed Chairman of the 2006-2008 SARBICA during the General Conference.

Initially, records were stored at Museum Brunei. In January 1983, the records were moved to a temporary centre on Jalan Kumbang Pasang until February 1985. From March 1985 until November 1996, the records were kept at Jalan Residency, the previous residence of the First Secretary of the Commissioner of Britain to Brunei.

Then in 1977, the records were moved to the National Archives building, which is currently located at Jalan Menteri Besar.

The Brunei Times

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