Sarawak State Legislative Assembly / Nur Mizeyah Azman

Sarawak State Legislative Assembly or officially known as Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak (DUNS) is the oldest state legislative assembly building in Malaysia. It was established by Rajah Muda Charles Brooke, on the instruction from Rajah Sir James Brooke, through a meeting held in the small fishing village of Bintulu of Bintulu, on 8lh September 1967. The new Sarawak State Legislative Assembly's building is the current state legislative complex of Sarawak, located in the city of Kuching. Il is the meeting place where state assemblymen form all over Sarawak will meet and preside over debates and passing of laws. The complex is specifically located at the north bank of Sarawak River in between The Astana, which is the official residence of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak and Fort Magherita. The building was officially initiated by Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin on 27"' July 2009 followed by the Conference of Rulers. This nine-storey building is the venue for
Sarawak’s assembly sittings. The distinctive umbrella-shaped roofof the new DUNS is an iconic landmark lor Sarawak. It is also a depictive of the state's struggles and achievements over the years after gaming independence through the formation of Malaysia and as a multi-racial society. Reinforced by nine gigantic pillars and numerous arches, the building reflects the sovereignty of the people s pow er as w ell as the support of all the races in Sarawak. It was first known as the General Council and had twenty-one appointed members. These members were chosen from among the native leaders or chiefs who were thought to be able to assist the governing of the territories under Brooke jurisdiction which during that time, only covered coastal areas. Subsequent meetings of the General Council, apart from the second which was held in Sibu in 1868, were conducted and presided by Rajah at The Astana, until the Second World War ended. The composition of the council changed during these years and also includes some chiefs from the interior and some Chinese.