BINTULU (Aug 13): The Tok Nan Gallery, which is dedicated to celebrating the life, vision and values of the former chief minister, the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, was officially launched yesterday.

Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this marked another step in preserving the legacy of one of Sarawak’s most beloved leaders.

“The gallery stands as a reflection of Tok Nan’s aspirations for Sarawak, especially his dedication to unity, cultural harmony and inclusivity,” he said in a press conference after the opening ceremony at Universiti Putra Malaysia Sarawak (UPMS).

Abdul Karim expressed his gratitude, on behalf of the Sarawak government, to UPMS for initiating the idea of the Tok Nan Gallery, which has existed in its current form since 2019.

“From this gallery, we can expand and share the perspectives, interests and hopes that the late Tok Nan held during his lifetime. The state government has channelled RM2.5 million to support programmes, activities and research, including scholarships for students pursuing Master’s and PhD studies under the Tok Nan Chair,” he said.

He said these efforts were part of continuing Tok Nan’s vision, especially his commitment to strengthening racial unity in Sarawak.

“We know Tok Nan had no bias towards any ethnic group and everyone liked him. Even though his tenure as chief minister was only two years and eight months, the impact he left was profound – not only on Sarawak, but also on the leadership that succeeded him in uniting the state’s multiracial and multi-religious communities,” he said.

Abdul Karim hoped UPMS would continue conducting deeper research into Tok Nan’s ideas and vision for Sarawak.

“He wanted to see Sarawak’s culture, arts and unity flourish. This is what we must continue,” he stressed.

The late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, affectionately known as Tok Nan, served as the fifth chief minister of Sarawak from March 2014 until his passing in January 2017.

Despite his short tenure, he was widely admired for his people-oriented policies, straightforward leadership style, and strong advocacy for Sarawak’s rights within Malaysia.

The Tok Nan Gallery houses exhibits, photographs, and memorabilia chronicling his life, career, and contributions.

It serves both as an educational resource and as a symbol of the values he championed, integrity, inclusiveness, and development for all Sarawakians.

Also present were UPMS deputy vice-chancellor (industry and community relations) Prof Dr BT Hang Tuah Baharudin, Tanjung Datu assemblyman and Tok Nan’s son Azizul Annuar Adenan, and Tok Nan Chair chairman Assoc Prof Dr Mohamad Maulana Magiman. 

Date of Input: 13/08/2025 | Updated: 13/08/2025 | lanz