Written by Dr Dayang Hajyrayati Awg Kassim
The Anthropology and Sociology Programme together with Ansoc Comm, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), successfully organised an educational visit to the Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak involving 58 students from Year 1, Year 2, and Year 3 of the Anthropology and Sociology Programme. The programme was accompanied by lecturer Dr Rubiah anak Ajan and Programme Coordinator Dr Dayang Hajyrayati Awg Kassim.
The educational visit was organised with the objective of exposing students to the state administrative system, legislative processes, and the role of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly in governance, politics, and development within the state. As students of Anthropology and Sociology, the programme provided an important opportunity for them to connect theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom with real-life institutional practices, particularly in understanding governance, social structures, leadership, policy-making, and the relationship between the state and society.
Throughout the visit, students were given the opportunity to tour various sections and levels within the iconic DUN Sarawak building. Among the highlights of the visit was the opportunity for students to visit the highest level of the building, where they were able to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Kuching city and its surrounding landscape. The experience provided students with a greater appreciation not only of the architectural significance of the building, but also of its symbolic role as one of the key institutions of governance in Sarawak.
Students were also brought to view the main assembly hall where official legislative sittings are conducted. During the session, they were introduced to the functions of the assembly hall, the seating arrangements of elected representatives, and the procedures involved during legislative debates and decision-making processes.
In addition, students received informative briefings regarding the history, structure, and functions of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly. The programme was highly beneficial for Anthropology and Sociology students as it enhanced their understanding of governance and social institutions from both sociological and anthropological perspectives.
Ansoc Comm hopes that more academic enrichment activities such as this will continue to be organised in the future to provide students with meaningful experiential learning opportunities, while strengthening their academic knowledge, critical thinking skills, and engagement with societal and governmental institutions.
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