KUCHING – The Fifth Term of the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly was officially opened on 11 May, with Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, attending the ceremony alongside state leaders and dignitaries. The Premier, accompanied by his daughter Puan Dayang Norjihan, arrived at the Assembly building at 8.50 am.
He was received by Speaker of the Assembly, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Asfia bin Awang Nasar, State Secretary Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Abu Bakar bin Marzuki, and Sarawak Police Commissioner CP Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah.
Shortly afterwards, His Excellency the Governor of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, together with his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah binti Mohd Sanusi, arrived at 9 am. Their presence marked the formal commencement of the ceremonial proceedings.
The opening began at the Parade Ground with a Royal Guard of Honour, followed by an inspection of the Main Guard of Honour led by the Parade Commanding Officer. Members of the Assembly then proceeded into the Meeting Hall to continue the official programme.
Inside the hall, the Speaker of the Assembly paid respects to Members and dignitaries before the Assembly Secretary recited prayers. The Declaration of Session was read aloud, followed by a Proclamation delivered by the Speaker.
The Governor and his wife were then escorted into the hall by the Speaker, the Secretary, and the Meeting Announcer.
The highlight of the ceremony was the Opening Speech delivered by the Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi. His address emphasised the importance of unity, effective governance, and Sarawak’s readiness to face global challenges.
He also reiterated confidence in the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy Agenda 2030 (PCDS 2030), which aims to transform Sarawak into a high-income economy through clean energy, digital innovation, and advanced technology.
The session concluded at 10.55 am, marking the beginning of legislative deliberations for the Fifth Term. The Assembly is scheduled to continue until 20 May 2026, with Members expected to debate policies and initiatives crucial to Sarawak’s development.
