KUCHING: The First Meeting of the Third Term of the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) commenced with an opening ceremony which saw elected representatives from across the state converge on the DUN Complex here, today.
Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi arrived at the DUN parade ground around 9.35 am.
Upon their arrival, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and DUN Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar escorted them to the stage.
Earlier, Abang Johari, who was accompanied by his wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, arrived at 9.25 am.
The ceremony began with the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) brass band, consisting of 40 members, playing the Sarawak anthem ‘Ibu Pertiwiku’. The band was led by Inspector Frankie Billy.
Following this, Wan Junaidi inspected the Guard of Honour comprising 105 personnel of various ranks from the General Operations Force (GOF) followed by a prayer led by state Imam Besar Sahibul Fadilah Datuk Mustapha Kamal Ahmad Fauzi.
After that, the RMP brass band played the national anthem ‘Negaraku’ and also ‘Ibu Pertiwiku’.
Wan Junaidi left the parade ground at 9.54 am.
He then arrived at the DUN Chamber at 10.45 am to deliver his opening address.
After the Head of State finished his speech, Asfia adjourned the meeting.
The eight-day sitting will resume at 9 am tomorrow, with the introduction of one new Bill, namely Sarawak Ports Authority Bill, 2024 along with the tabling of four other Bills –(Supplementary Supply (2023) Bill, 2024; Supplementary Supply (2024) Bill, 2024; The Protection of Public Health (Amendment) Bill, 2024; and Sarawak Forestry Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2024).
All of the Bills will be read for the first time tomorrow.
