The history of Sarawak’s former State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building could be preserved for future generations through a dedicated gallery when the 53-year-old building is transformed into the Sarawak Performing Arts Centre which is located at our old State Legislative Assembly Building in Petra Jaya, Kuching. Among the functions of the proposed gallery are to document the old DUN building’s history and significance as Sarawak’s former legislative seat.
There is a possibility that we will have a small gallery to commemorate the history of this building. It does not have to be large because this building was specifically built to serve as the State Legislative Assembly at one time. The old DUN building had witnessed numerous significant events, including the enactment of laws, and continued to hold memories for us Sarawakians.
The building was officially opened in the 1970s before the current State Legislative Assembly building was constructed. There are a lot of history that had took place here, and many laws were enacted from this building. Although the former DUN building has not been gazetted as a heritage building, efforts were being made to retain its historical features, including the wood panelling and golden glass mosaic roofing.
The proposed gallery, together with a coffee-table book to be produced upon completion of the project, would provide a record of the building’s history and significance. With the gallery put in, with the coffee-table book that we’re going to produce once the building is completed, it will reflect the history, the stories about this building, and that is sufficient.
The former DUN building is being upgraded into the Sarawak Performing Arts Centre as part of a wider three-facility complex comprising the centre, the old Lapau building, which will be converted into a restaurant, and an upgraded fountain area. Once completed, the complex will serve as a recreational area and public park for families, in line with the vision of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. The proposed outdoor facility might not be inside the hall, except when there are performances, but the surroundings of the complex will be a very good park for families and others to enjoy.
