Kuala lumpur: Heritage should not be viewed as a burden of the past, but as a strategic asset capable of generating tourism, driving the creative industry, creating job opportunities, and strengthening the local business ecosystem. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized this perspective during a recent ceremony marking the completion of Phase 1 of the conservation of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building (BSAS) along Jalan Raja.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prime Minister Anwar, who also serves as the Finance Minister, stated that the revitalization of heritage buildings is a pivotal strategy to enhance both international and domestic tourist arrivals. He illustrated this by citing the conservation of the BSAS, which aims not merely to invoke nostalgia but to keep history alive, understood, and relevant as a guide for future challenges.
The ceremony was graced by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and attended by notable figures including Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the BSAS conservation efforts align with Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), underscoring Malaysia's reputation not only for its natural beauty and cultural diversity but also for its robust historical narrative. He reiterated that such initiatives are crucial for building a modern, dynamic Kuala Lumpur that remains anchored in its historical values.
As detailed in the Budget 2026, the project encompasses all six blocks of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building complex, along with the conservation of Seri Negara and Carcosa at Bukit Carcosa. Anwar stressed the importance of public access to these facilities, emphasizing that conservation must transcend structural efforts to truly enliven heritage buildings.
BSAS is set to house the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery, showcasing the building's and the city's evolution through themed spaces spanning three centuries. Additionally, the Royal Selangor Gallery will highlight pewter craftsmanship, reflecting Kuala Lumpur's economic legacy and tin mining history.
Prime Minister Anwar expressed confidence that BSAS and the historic complex will continue to embody the nation's identity, merging economic strength with cultural depth, values, and humanity. He also acknowledged His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim's presence, noting it as a symbol of the nation's anchoring in history, values, and constitutional monarchy.
The Prime Minister extended gratitude to all parties involved, particularly Khazanah Nasional Berhad and various ministries and government agencies, for their roles in the project. The Sultan Abdul Samad Building, named after the late Sultan Abdul Samad ibni Almarhum Raja Abdullah, was officially opened in 1897 and holds historical significance as the site where the Union Jack was lowered at the dawn of Malaysia's independence on August 31, 1957.