DUN sitting begin today - last to be held at the present complex

KUCHING May 11 - The State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting from today to 20 will be a historic one as it will be the last to be held at the present complex.

Strategically perched on a hill by the bank of the Sarawak River, it is an iconic architectural creation in the likes of the famous Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa and Sydney Opera House.

This RM300 million building displays scenes of Sarawak’s rainforests and native culture. It is the new venue for holding the DUN sittings later this year.

DUN secretary Abang Othman Abang Fata yesterday confirmed that the next sitting some time towards the end of the year would be held at the new complex near the Astana.

“Yes, this will be the last sitting at the present complex,” he told reporter recently.

Costing close to RM300 million, the new DUN complex can hold up to 108 assemblymen, each having his or her own office.

Other notable features of the new DUN complex include a parade ground beside the waterfront, a state banquet hall (that can hold 1,000) and a car park for 315 cars.

All are spread within a 172-acre site.

The present DUN building was built in 1976 and originally designed to house 48 members.

After 33 years, the membership has increased to 71 elected representatives.

Meanwhile, the sitting will be opened by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhamad Salahuddin at 9 this morning.

He will also deliver the opening address.