Sarawak Latest News

SOMETIME in June last year, the Eye wrote on the need for a centre for creative or artistic expression. Back then, the Eye made a suggestion that the existing State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building be turned into a centre for creative expression. Early this year Eye found out that the State actually has a school for the arts when a friend mentioned that his daughter had just started studying there. Apparently this school is called Sekolah Seni and is currently bunking in (or sharing facilities) with SMK Openg in Petra Jaya.

Despite the fact that the school does not have its own site and facilities, it has already gained national recognition for its success in developing talents in its students. The management of the school has assured parents of students that it is currently in the midst of looking into a few possible sites to build its permanent facilities.

Old DUN Complexes

A couple of weeks back, the local newspapers reported that the new DUN building will be complete soon and the State’s executives will be moving over for the upcoming sitting. So what will happen to the old DUN? Would the State consider giving the building to Sekolah Seni? With some funding from the federal government, through the Education Department, the place could be done up. The building is still in good condition — some refurbishment will be needed.

Let’s look at it this way, if the building isn’t structurally safe, wouldn’t the State have moved the Legislative Assembly members out a long time ago? They couldn’t have been taking chances on having a structure collapse and collectively wiping out the State government during the past sittings.

Let’s look at the interior of the building — there is ample floor space for the school’s population of 200 students. As this is a school that is selective of its students, each class does not have more than 20 students. There is the Dewan Santapan which can be turned into a hall for performing arts. There is the Sitting Hall which also could be used as a theatre. There is a resource centre which could be maintained as a library. There are offices and rooms that could be converted into classrooms and activity rooms. So why not?

The area is scenic and is a perfect and conducive location for a school for the arts. There is ample parking area and space outside for outdoor activities. Let’s not forget that there is that nice little park adjacent to the Wisma Bapa Malaysia.

New DUN Complexes

Eye was made to understand that some of the students at this school are from out of town and require hostel facilities. Eye am sure that something could be worked out in placing the students in nearby hostels and providing shuttles to school. There are a number of hostels belonging to other establishments along Jalan Semariang which are not fully utilised. Or consider building a hostel block somewhere within the Siol area and provide shuttle services. This would be a good way to conserve and at the same time utilise existing and historical buildings, instead of clearing more space and building more structures that will eventually become eyesores.

The Eye has always advocated the need for a centre of creative expression. A school for the arts is a good start. The students and teachers there deserve a facility where they are free to express their artistic talents. And somehow, the old DUN building has that touch and value to it — it is a piece of art and a part of history. A suggestion worth looking into. Perhaps the State should make known its plans for this dear old building to the people.