Complex will be famous

KUCHING: Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud envisions that the new state-of-the-art State Legislative Assembly (DUN) complex here will be as famous as other iconic architectures in some parts of the world.

“I am confident that the new complex will contribute a lot to the state’s tourism industry just as some iconic architectures in some cities like the Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa and Sydney Opera House,” he said when officiating at the topping-up ceremony (pouring concrete onto the eighth floor) of the complex yesterday. Located opposite Kuching Waterfront and strategically located atop a hill on the bank of Sungai Sarawak the building is scheduled to be completed by early next year.

As such, Taib was confident that both locals and tourists would be attracted to the complex. He said he was thankful that with the building of the complex he was able to fulfill the demands of state assemblymen who had grown in number and increased workload over the years.

The building’s architects and designers had meticulously taken into account the future needs of elected representatives, and they had done their utmost to depict the state’s struggles and achievements over the years after gaining independence.

Taib said the building elements reflected the character of the people, their unity and sovereignty of the state.

As to why a new DUN complex was needed, the Speaker Dato Sri Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar cited architectural wisdom as well as practical reasons.

Echoing the Chief Minister’s comments, he described the complex as an “icon” and “landmark” made of “stone and glass” which “would represent our rain forest and local cultures”.

“For instance, the 47 arches look like tree branches, which in turn, support a soaring roof that reaches 114 meters,” Asfia said.

Branching from solid columns, these arches merge with intricate floor beams, which “symbolises the people and the democratic system that it upholds”.

The RM296-million DUN chamber itself is located above the atrium and is spread over three floors. Floor-to-ceiling height tops at 27 meters or equivalent to seven storeys.

“Most parliaments in the Commonwealth are located either on a hill or a river. Ours will be on both. It will become an icon.”

In saying this, Asfia also noted that Sarawak’s legislative assembly was the oldest in Malaysia, dating back to Sept 8, 1867.

“The locations have shifted. Ramshackle buildings have been replaced with new ones. The present DUN complex which was built in 1976 was designed to house 48 members. After 31 years, membership has increased to 71,” Asfia said, adding that despite numerous renovations, there were calls for a new building.

The new complex will hold up to 108 members, each having his or her own office, which Taib said could be sufficient for “the next 100 years”.

Other notable features of the DUN complex include a parade ground beside the water front, a State banquet hall (that will hold 1,000), and car park for 315 cars. All these are spread within a 172-acre site.

“The DUN building portrays strength and stability through interplays of glass and stone,” Asfia said.

“Thirty years on, as Malaysia places greater emphasis on creating a knowledge-based nation, the DUN needs to represent an integration of information and communication technologies to increase efficiency and productivity.”

Among those present during the ceremony were Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan and Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, Datuk Amar Puan Sri Laila Taib, assistant ministers, and elected representatives.

The Borneo Post