By Shikin Louis and Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Oct 1: Rumah Sri Aman has been gazetted as a historical building under the Sarawak Heritage Ordinance 2019.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the building cannot be changed, must be in its original condition, must stay in existence and cannot be demolished under the ordinance.
“We want to keep this as a historical building so that it can be enjoyed by all, especially the younger generation of Sarawak. This is for them to know the purpose of the building, its architecture, who built it and its functions.
“That is why we have it to be gazetted by the Museum Department of Sarawak under the purview of the Ministry Of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts,” he revealed.
Abang Johari said this in his speech when officiating at a ceremony to launch the Rumah Sri Aman Gallery and Rumah Sri Aman coffee table book at Simanggang today.
He said the gallery and the history of the building will attract both locals and visitors to Simanggang.
Abang Johari also disclosed that the State Cabinet agreed that the surrounding area be turned into a Peace Park and serve as a recreational location for visitors.
He also announced that the road from Rumah Sri Aman will be widened to a dual carriageway that will lead to the Simangang Waterfront and Simanggang Town Square.
“This is to bring convenience and comfort to the people of Simanggang,” said Abang Johari.
His wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis who is also Simanggang assemblyman, Sri Aman Member of Parliament Dato Sri Doris Sophia Brodie, and Sri Aman Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman were among those in attendance. — DayakDaily
