The Social and Political Awareness Ministry of Blessed Sacrament Church (BSC) organised a trip to visit the spectacular Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Complex at Petra Jaya last weekend. The 92-strong group was led by its rector, Rev. Fr. Felix Au.

The main objective of the visit was to create interest among parishioners of BSC, and to understand more about the government and its elected representatives.

Fr. Felix informed the group that the idea to create awareness, mooted six years ago, was revisited last year at the Pastoral Assembly. Politics also involve our everyday lives, and as Sarawakians and Malaysians, we have to play our part to get more people involved for the betterment  of our society.

They were accorded a guided tour by Public Relations Officials from DUN Complex, who explained and elaborated on the building history as well as the proceedings of the meetings. It proved to be an informative and eye-opening trip.

Simon Siah, a member of the organizing committee, and a lawyer by profession, briefly explained the difference between Parliamentary seating and State Assembly. The general public can visit the DUN Complex during the annual State Assembly sessions, and watch the performance of their elected representatives from the viewing gallery.

For many in the group, this was their first visit to the grand DUN building and to be able to tour the inner sanctuary of the DUN. “This is my first visit to the DUN and it’s impressive,” said one of the visitors.

Parishioners from BSC made up the majority of the group, with a few from St Joseph’s Cathedral, Holy Trinity Church and St Ann’s Church.

Fr. Felix Au receiving a souvenir from Cik Nur Azira (3rd right), PRO, DUN Complex, witnessed by the Organising Committee

Thomas Ngu, the Advisor to the Social and Political Awareness Ministry, thanked Fr. Felix for suggesting, and accompanying them, on the DUN visit. One of the organisers, Wendy Lam, thanked everyone for the harmonious atmosphere and for making the visit a success.

As for Fr. Felix Au, he was delighted with the response from the parishioners and thanked all who were involved, especially the staff at DUN, and the Organising Committee.

– Contributed