Sarawak DUN opens with tributes to Song, FDS crash victims

THE second meeting of the fifth session of the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) commenced at 9.05am today with a prayer recital.

The sitting runs from Oct 12 to 21.

DUN Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar congratulated recipients of state awards conferred in conjunction with the 80th birthday celebrations of Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

He also conveyed condolences to the family of former DUN Speaker and Padungan assemblyman Datuk Song Swee Guan, who was also the first mayor of Kuching South City Council (MBKS).

Song, who passed away at Sarawak General Hospital, played an important role in Kuching South’s early development and public service.

Asfia also extended condolences to the families of the five victims of the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter crash in Long Lellang on Sept 8.

They were pilot Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, assistant medical officer Alexson Adit Henry, and nurses Debra Moset and Jessie Paya Jok.

The august House then observed a minute’s silence as a mark of respect.

Earlier, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg arrived at 8.42am in a cheerful mood and proceeded to the stage at the DUN lobby for a group photograph.

Abang Johari, who is also Minister of Finance and Economy, is scheduled to table the Supply (2027) Bill, 2026, for its first and second readings.

Also scheduled are the first readings of the Supplementary Supply (2026) Bill, 2026; Sarawak State Library (Amendment) Bill, 2026; and Public Holidays (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

The august House will also consider a motion to refer the resolution on the Development Expenditure Estimates for 2027 and the Supply (2027) Bill, 2026 to the Committee of Supply.

(from left) Abang Johari and Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas arrive at the DUN building.