Key Handed Over To New Legco Building
By Kartika Rahman & P Marilyn

Bandar Seri Begawan - The new Legislative Council building yesterday held its first official event with a key handing over ceremony at its premises in Jalan Kebangsaan.

Minister of Development Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Awg Abdullah bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar was on hand to present the key to Legislative Council Speaker Pg Indera Mahkota Pg Anak (Dr) Kemaludin AlHaj Ibni Al-Marhum Pg Bendahara Pg Anak Hj Mohd Yassin.

Construction works on the new Legislative Council building - built at a cost of $70 million in a 26-acre land - commenced in March 2005.

AkitekAlamreka architect Pg Ismail Pg Hj Mahmud explained that the design of the building has distinct Brunei characteristics, incorporating tall columns, breathtaking flights of stairs and symmetrical motifs.

This signifies order, strength and stability, like the classic buildings of ancient Greeks and Romans.

Each of the columns at the main entrance is designed with a combination of `Dawn Lukut' and `Air Muleh,' while the walls are beautified with a combination of Brunei Malay Songket such as 'bunga melor bintang' and 'bunga bersusun indah damai'.

It also has several symbolic elements such as the five and nine columns at Porte Cocher, revealing the promulgation of the Brunei Constitution in 1959.

Meanwhile, the eight and four columns leading to the Legislative Chamber on the third level symbolically mean Brunei gained full authority in 1984.

Malay, Islamic, Monarchy (Melayu Islam Beraja) is the three key elements that are emphasised in the structure and interior architecture.

The main dome on the roof of the central main block is surrounded by 29 windows and columns displaying the rule of the 29th monarch, and it will portray Islamic architecture and a natural environment.

Its tip is the highest point of the building that symbolises the harmony and sanctuary of meetings to be held at the Legislative Council building.

The building consists of four floors, approximately taking up 21,200 square metres. Level I houses a banquet hall, gym, staff canteen, surau, store and a covered car park. Level II houses the main entrance hall and reception, committee meeting room, auditorium and office floor for administration staff.

Level III houses the main chamber - which can accommodate 450 public seats - library and offices, while Level IV includes a room for technicians, reporters and translators.

Overall, the landscape with water elements gives a natural look to the site. A recreational area will also be provided at the building near the lake for the use of public members.

As part of its objective the new building will fulfil its role as required according to Clause 23 of Brunei 1959 Constitution; to serve as a complete, organised and safe archive centre for meeting documents; and, enable the Legislative Council to carry out its tasks and responsibilities more efficiently to accommodate current and future needs. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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