THE SECOND MEETING of the First Session of the 19th State Legislative Assembly (DUN) commenced with an opening ceremony which saw members of the august House from across the state converge on the DUN Complex here, today.
Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib arrived at the DUN parade ground around 10.02am.
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.
Abang Johari, who was accompanied by his wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, earlier arrived at 9.18am.
The ceremony began with the Royal Malaysian Police brass band, consisting of 40 members, playing the Sarawak anthem ‘Ibu Pertiwiku’. The band was led by Inspector Frankie Billy.
It was then followed by a prayer led by state Imam Besar Sahibul Fadilah.
Following the prayer, Taib inspected the Guard of Honour comprising 105 personnel of various ranks from the General Operations Force (GOF).
After that, the Royal Malaysian Police brass band played the national anthem ‘Negaraku’ and also ‘Ibu Pertiwiku’.
Taib left the parade ground at 10.20am.
He then went to the DUN Chamber at 11.20am to deliver his opening address for the DUN sitting.
After the Head of State finished his speech, Asfia adjourned the meeting.
A luncheon and state banquet (at 8pm) with the Head of State were also held today at the DUN Complex.
The eight-day sitting will resume at 9am tomorrow, with the introduction of three government Bills namely, the Supplementary Supply (2022) Bill, 2022, Land Code (Amendment) Bill, 2022 as well as the Forest (Amendment) Bill, 2022.
All of the Bills will be read for the first time tomorrow.
