By Marlynda Meraw and Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 2: The 50-year-old historic Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Building is set to be transformed into a world-class, state-of-the-art Sarawak Performing Arts Centre, inspired by London’s Royal Albert Hall, at a cost of about RM250 million.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that the multi-venue will not only elevate the local art and creative scene but also provide top-tier facilities for professional productions of international standards, which would in turn bolster tourism, the local economy, and job creation.
“The renovation of the Old DUN Building and the adjacent Lapau Building will exceed RM200 million, with the landscaping around the boulevard alone costing about RM60 million.
“The project aims for completion by 2027, with significant expenses on the state-of-the-art equipment, particularly the high standards of acoustic system, with London’s Royal Albert Hall, alongside standards found in top-tier art centers in the United States,” he told reporters after witnessing the handing over of the project site to contractors at the old DUN Building compound in Petra Jaya today.
Recognising the burgeoning entertainment and contemporary performing arts sector as a lucrative industry, Abang Johari envisioned the centre attracting international performing companies to showcase a diverse array of performances, ranging from orchestras and ballets to operas, musicals, and solo recitals, thereby enriching Sarawak’s cultural landscape.
“Such performing arts have a loyal fan base which will follow their performances wherever they are held and this in turn will boost Sarawak’s tourism industry.
“Moreover, by that time (centre completion), Sarawak would have its own airline (which could serve as the connectivity to bring in visitors). All these will not only stimulate tourism and services sectors but invigorate Sarawak’s economy,” he emphasised.
The centre, Abang Johari elaborated, strategically situated within the city’s tourist precinct alongside the Borneo Cultures Museum, art gallery, Darul Hana bridge, and upcoming landmarks, is poised to become a focal point for cultural exchange and artistic expression.
Referencing Taylor Swift’s six sold-out concerts in Singapore where the Singaporean government offered millions in incentives as part of an exclusivity agreement, he pointed to not only the huge economic spinoff that will benefit many sectors in the economy but also local talent development from the experience in all aspects from performing to production.
“Sarawak has many legendary stories as well, for instance Puteri Santubong and Sultan Tengah which can be improved for new productions.
“But first, we must have a world-class facility to fulfill the demands of the popular art and creative scene so that people will want to come,” he added, expressing confidence in the investment for the young and future generation as well as its transformative impact on the new economy.
A short video presentation showcased the expansive offerings of the Performing Arts Centre, featuring a two-level theatre hall, black box, art gallery, multipurpose hall, dance studio, theatre studio, music recording studio, function hall, office space, resource centre, a walkthrough to Lapau Building, and a spacious boulevard adorned with captivating landscaping.
DUN Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Deputy Minister of Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan, and Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak director Richard Tajan were among those present. — DayakDaily
