KUCHING – The ceremonial opening of the Fifth Term of the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly took place on 11 May at the Parade Ground of the Assembly Building in Petra Jaya, officiated by His Excellency the Governor of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
The Governor, accompanied by his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah binti Mohd Sanusi, arrived at 9.15 am and was formally received by the Premier of Sarawak, YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Johari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, alongside his daughter Puan Dayang Nurjihan.
Senior state leaders including Speaker of the Assembly YB Tan Sri Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Asfia bin Awang Nassar, State Secretary YB Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Abu Bakar bin Marzuki, and Commissioner of Police Sarawak YDH CP Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah were also present.
The event drew distinguished guests from Sabah, among them Speaker of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly YB Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Kadzim M. Yahya and Deputy Speaker YB Datuk Al Hambra bin Tun Juhar, both accompanied by their spouses. Their attendance underscored the close ties between the two East Malaysian states.
Following his arrival, Tun Pehin Sri received the Royal Salute from the Main Guard of Honour, accompanied by the state anthem “Ibu Pertiwiku”.
He then inspected the Guard of Honour, which comprised 105 personnel, including three officers and 102 ranks from the General Operations Force and the Royal Malaysian Police. The inspection was led by Commanding Officer DSP Amirol Mahathir Bin Mohamad Khoiri.
The ceremony was attended by deputy premiers of Sarawak, members of the State Cabinet, heads of government departments, and elected representatives.
Religious solemnity was observed with prayers led by Sahibul Fadilah, Deputy Imam Besar of Sarawak, YBhg Ustaz Haji Mohamad Ihsan bin Haji Haidzir. The proceedings concluded with the national anthem “Negaraku”, followed by the state anthem.
The Fifth Term of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly will run until 20 May 2026, during which legislative matters and state policies are expected to be deliberated.
The opening ceremony symbolised the formal commencement of the session, reflecting the continuity of governance and the constitutional role of the governor in officiating state proceedings.
Observers noted that the event highlighted Sarawak’s emphasis on ceremonial tradition and institutional respect, while also reinforcing the collaborative spirit between state leaders and the wider community.
The presence of dignitaries from Sabah added further significance, showcasing regional unity within Malaysia’s federal structure.
