By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 27: The iconic Sarawak Government Administrative Centre Serian Division, with its architectural design inspired by the Bidayuh’s Baruk circular structure and connected by a central courtyard, is a symbol of the unity of the Bidayuh people.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that the significance of this Centre, also referred to simply as the “Complex”, is the continuity of leadership, the people, and Sarawak.
“It resulted from the cooperation, collaboration, and unity from past to present leaders as well as the people, agencies and departments involved.
“The late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem declared the complex project in April 2016, and I inaugurated the groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of the construction in April 2017,” he said when launching the Complex in Serian today.
Abang Johari was also impressed by the circular structure inspired by the Bidayuh’s traditional Baruk with a circular courtyard which can be viewed at any corner of the building.
“This means the Bidayuh can survive from any angle provided they are connected like this building. Therefore, the circle symbolises the continuity and unity of the Bidayuh people.
“The complex is something we have not seen in other parts of Sarawak. All government agencies are under one roof and equipped with all facilities including internet and a command centre,” he said.
With stability, peace, and unity in Sarawak, Abang Johari pointed out that the government can concentrate and focus on the development journey to bring Serian and Sarawak to greater heights.
“As for Serian, it is thriving as the landscape has changed, including with flyovers. These are the developments we have seen which resulted from the cooperation, collaboration, and unity from past to present leaders,” he added.
Also, he added that construction is ongoing for a Conference Centre in Serian costing RM87 million.
Meanwhile, the five-storey Sarawak Government Administrative Centre Serian Division costing RM200 million, sits on a 32-acre piece of land.
It started operations in July 2021 and houses 11 offices, departments, and agencies led by the Serian Division Resident Office.
The agencies include the Serian District Office, Sarawak Bumiputera Court, Service Sarawak as well as Treasury Department, Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Rural Water Supply Department, Public Works Department, Agriculture Department, Land and Survey Department and Welfare Department for Serian Division.
Minister of Education, Science, and Technological Research Datuk Amar Michael Manyin Jawong; Assistant Minister of Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil; Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Snowdan Lawan; State Secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion; and Serian MP Dato Sri Richard Riot Jaem were among those present. — DayakDaily
