Heritage buildings at Sabah Museum ‘neglected’ – Yong
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Museum already has a section for Chinese cultural heritage within its outdoor grounds, said former Chief Minister Datuk Yong Teck Lee.
These heritage buildings are however neglected and literally abandoned, he said when commenting on the proposal to have a museum on Chinese heritage in Sabah.
“Of better quality and well maintained are the displays of Chinese heritage within the Sabah Museum main building,” he said.
Yong said the museum had been displaying thousand-year old ceramics and other artefacts and photos of ‘The Jade Dragon shipwreck’, dating back to the Sung dynasty (960-1279AD).
He said there were also maps showing the Maritime Silk Route dating back to the Admiral Zheng He era.
“Within the museum building are some displays of Chinese heritage, including a life-sized model of traditional Chinese wedding, complete with a bridal carriage together with other Sabah cultural heritage.
“I last visited the museum last Friday and today to update myself about Sabah history. This was upon my return from a China trip when our China hosts asked me about Sabah history, particularly on the centuries-old Maritime Silk Route trade between Sabah and China,” said Yong.
“Chinese community and political leaders who are in a position of influence and power to do more about Chinese heritage in Sabah, should first of all pay a working visit to Sabah Museum to get a better understanding of the existing display of Chinese heritage at the museum and then discuss what is the best way to preserve Chinese cultural heritage in Sabah.”