CHIEF MINISTER’S PERFORMED TOPPING UP CEREMONY OF NEW DUN BUILDING

16 September 2007, KUCHING: The symbolic crowning of the new Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Sarawak building took place on 6th September 2007 in a topping-up ceremony graced by dozens of Sarawak State Legislative Assembly members.

The topping-up ceremony was performed by Chief Minister of Sarawak, Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud, who poured concrete onto the flooring of Level 8 of the DUN Building. He was assisted by the Speaker of DUN Sarawak, Dato Sri Haji Mohammad Asfia Awang Nassar and the two Deputy Chief Ministers, Datuk Patinggi Dr George Chan Hong Nam and Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu.

Level 8 also forms the floor of the future DUN Chamber which boasts a dome-shaped ceiling of 27 metres height, equivalent to three regular storeys high.

The new DUN building, located on a hill beside Sungai Sarawak, will soar to a height of 114 metres. Its unique design, based on a 9-pointed star, will comprise 9 levels. A 50 metre-wide dome-shaped “Payung Negara” roof will cap the building with a total floor space of 47,747 sq. metres.

Development of the new DUN building begun in September 2004 by a project development team made of a joint-venture between PPES Works (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd (55%) and Naim Cendera Sdn Bhd (45%).

“Barring unforeseen circumstances, the DUN building is targeted for completion in March 2008”, announced the DUN Speaker, Dato Sri Haji Mohammad Asfia.

Able to house 108 members, the architectural masterpiece combines elements of Sarawak’s culture and heritage with state-of-the-art “smart building” automation systems, multimedia communication facilities and environmentally-friendly features.

The DUN building has integrated information & communication technologies to increase the productivity of the Dewan, while its visual beauty will serve as an icon of the Government institution as well as a showcase of unique architectural features rarely found in this part of the world.
Other features of the DUN complex include a parade ground beside the waterfront, offices for each DUN member, a State Banquet Hall, and car parks for 900 cars when all three phases are completed.

“The new DUN complex is a manifestation of the Chief Minister’s vision to create a grand building, a symbol worthy of the importance of responsibility held by the Legislative system,” said Dato Sri Haji Mohammad Asfia.

The current DUN building, built in 1974, had the capacity to house just 48 elected members. Today, DUN has 71 members.

Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak was established in 1867 and enjoys the distinction of being the oldest in Malaysia.

Chief Minister of Sarawak, Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud, Deputy Chief and the DUN Speaker, Dato Sri Haji Awang Asfia Awang Nassar and a host of State Ministers and Assistant Ministers were present for the historic event.