The first term of the 18th State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting commenced with an opening ceremony which saw members of the August house from across the state converge on the DUN complex here yesterday.

Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Ragad Kurdi Taib arrived to attend the ceremony which was held at the compound of the DUN complex at 9.25am.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, who was accompanied by his wife Datin Patinggi Dato Jamilah Anu, had arrived about five minutes earlier, approximately at 9.20am.

Upon the Head of State’s arrival, local dignitaries including DUN speaker Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and his wife Datin Amar Fatimah Iskandar escorted him to the stage where the ceremony immediately began with the Royal Malaysian Police brass band playing the Sarawak anthem ‘Ibu Pertiwiku’.

Taib then inspected the Guard-of-Honour comprising 105 men from the General Operations Force (GOF) 11th Battalion before making his way into the DUN chambers to deliver his maiden speech for the first DUN sitting of the year.

In his speech, Taib touched on various issues including the state’s economy, transformation of rural areas and unity, and congratulated the state Barisan Nasional (BN) for its victory in the last state election, among others.

He also congratulated Adenan on his appointment as Chief Minister as well as the deputy chief ministers, ministers and assistant ministers who were appointed.

Taib also called on Sarawakians from all walks of life regardless of their background and political leaning to re-unite for the sake of prosperity, development and wellbeing of the state.

“All parties should be responsible to ensure that the political stability in the state shall be preserved. This is important in order for the government to administrate and implement its policies smoothly to stimulate and accelerate the development in the state.

“I would like to remind that there are still a lot that need to be done in bringing the state to higher level of development,” he said.

“I’m thankful for Sarawak is always peaceful and tranquil. People in this state live harmoniously and united

despite their differences in terms of races, religions and customs. This unity must be preserved and maintained at all times. Therefore, I call on all levels of society, especially the younger generation to continue the culture of unity in diversity and apply them in their daily activities,” he added.

Taib offered his condolences to the family of those killed in the helicopter crash at Sungai Batang Lupar, Sebuyau last May 5.

Those who were killed in the tragedy were Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities Datuk Noriah Kasnon and husband Asmuni Abdullah, Kuala Kangsar MP Datuk Wan Mohammad Khairil Anuar Wan Ahmad, Plantation Industries and Commodities secretary-general Datuk Dr Sundaran Annamalai, Noriah’s personal bodyguard Ahmad Sobri Harun and pilot Captain Rudolf Rex Ragas, a Philippines citizen.

“Their sacrifice and service will remain eternally with all Sarawakians. We also pray and hope that the victims’ family members will endure this difficult time,” he said.

Once he concluded his speech, Asfia then adjourned the sitting.

Sitting resumes today with Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh tabling the first reading of the Supplementary Supply (2015) Bill 2016 as well as debates on TYT’s address and Q & A session.

Source:
courtesy of THE BORNEO POST

by The Borneo Post

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