Sarawak’s Golden Umbrella – A Modern Icon of Identity


 

On 27 July 2009, the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building was officially opened with much fanfare—complete with fireworks, river floats, and a celebration that cost over a million ringgit. With a total construction cost of RM296.5 million, the building immediately became one of the most iconic landmarks in Kuching. Perched majestically on Petra Jaya’s riverbank, it was designed not just to house the workings of state government but also to represent Sarawak’s unique cultural and political identity.

What truly sets the building apart is its distinctive design. The golden "payung negara" (royal umbrella) roof draws inspiration from traditional Sarawakian architecture, particularly the Bidayuh baruk and longhouse motifs. Its nine-pointed star layout symbolises the state’s nine administrative divisions. Designed by Hijjas Kasturi Associates in collaboration with Aki Media, the building strikes a balance between cultural heritage and modern functionality, incorporating intelligent systems, passive solar features, and open atrium spaces that invite natural light.



Standing 114 metres tall with nine floors, the complex includes an assembly chamber that seats over 100 state representatives, alongside various function halls, an auditorium, prayer rooms, and parking for more than 300 vehicles. Every detail—from the grand atrium to the modern communication infrastructure—was built with longevity in mind. It’s a building designed not just for today’s governance, but for future generations.

Today, the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building stands as more than just an administrative centre. It’s a symbol of progress, unity, and confidence—blending tradition with innovation. Whether seen from the river or up close, its silhouette against the skyline reminds us that architecture can do more than serve a function—it can tell a story.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dapatkan buku 'Kisah Hidup & Budaya Pop Anak Gen-X' di SINI

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Japanese WW2 Soldier Who Found Islam In Malaya

Image
I’ve just watched In Search of the Unreturned Japanese Soldiers  in Malaysia ( 1971 ), and it’s one of those documentaries that stays with you long after it ends. Famed director  Shôhei Imamura sets out to find Japanese soldiers who never went home after World War II, choosing instead to remain in Malaya . The search feels awkward and unfinished, which somehow makes it more honest. History, after all, rarely wraps things up neatly. The most memorable figure is “ A-lee ”, a former Japanese soldier who stayed on and later embraced Islam . Listening to him speak about the religion — quietly, sincerely, without drama — is unexpectedly moving. Who would have thought that after war, defeat and displacement, a Japanese soldier would find peace in Islam? There are no easy conclusions here, no grand moral lesson. Just the reminder that when wars end on paper, lives continue in all sorts of unpredictable ways. Some people return home. Others don’t. And sometimes, in the aftermath, they...
Read more

Ross Ariffin Meninggal Dunia

Image
 Innalillahiwainnailaihirojiun. Ross Ariffin was the one who gave me my first real break in songwriting -- he opened the door for my lyrics to be sung by local artistes. I got to know him through his ex-wife, who happened to be my editor when I first started freelancing. Our first project together was an album he produced for a newcomer, Ira Khairani. I wrote lyrics for three of her songs -- not bad for a rookie at the time. I also had the opportunity to write lyrics for one of his compositions for Fauziah Latiff. Ross later introduced me to Edwin of SRC, who signed me on, and that eventually led to me writing for Siti, Liza Hanim, Aqasha, and others. Ross was a brilliant producer and a classically-trained musician. I first noticed him when he won a regional songwriting competition, and later he cemented his name in the industry by winning Anugerah Juara Lagu with 'Kau Dan Aku'. Semoga ditempatkan di kalangan orang yang beriman.
Read more

Ol’ Skool Makan #3: Haji Shariff Cendol -- A Sweet Legacy Of Seremban

Image
I won’t miss this one -- not a chance. Every time I’m in Seremban , Haji Shariff Cendol is a must-stop. It’s conveniently near Jalan Nunis , so much so that I’d always snap a photo of my bowl of cendol and send it to my friend Graig Nunis -- just for the fun of it. Along with that, I’d order the rojak , because really, what’s a perfect bowl of cendol without its savoury, nutty partner in crime? The history here goes way back. The late Haji Shariff Haji Dolman started selling cendol around 1930 , pushing his cart around the streets of Seremban before finally setting up shop in town. His recipe was simple but unforgettable -- smooth shaved ice, thick creamy coconut milk, rich gula Melaka , and those trademark bright-green cendol strands made fresh daily. The business has since passed through generations, but that old-school taste still hits the spot every single time. The outlet itself remains charmingly no-frills. You queue, you order, you get your bowl, and for a few blissful minut...
Read more