Kuala lumpur: The Sultan of Kedah, Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah, today visited the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, a heritage landmark that played a significant role in Malaysia's history. His Royal Highness arrived at around 10.30 am and was greeted by Khazanah Nasional managing director Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Khazanah Nasional's chief corporate officer and general legal adviser Datuk Mohamed Nasri Sallehuddin and head of real assets Selvendran Katheerayson were also present during the visit. The Sultan explored the Confluence Hall, which features a gallery dedicated to the origins and development of Kuala Lumpur. A briefing on the exhibits was provided by Think City senior manager Mariana Isa.
His Royal Highness also toured the Visionary Hall, which showcases models and multimedia displays related to the capital city's development, and visited the balcony above the Porte Cochere. Further into the visit, the Sultan attended the School of Hard Knocks, operated by Royal Selangor, and concluded with a light luncheon before departing the building at about 1.15 pm.
Amirul Feisal expressed that the royal visit was highly appreciated and highlighted Khazanah Nasional's commitment to preserving the heritage building. The preservation efforts aim to showcase the history of Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Malaysia's development beyond the physical conservation of the structure. Since opening to the public on February 2, the building has attracted approximately 200,000 visitors.
"The visit by His Royal Highness the Sultan of Kedah is a tremendous honour and recognition of our efforts to preserve the nation's history, which is meaningful not only to society but also to the royal institution," Amirul Feisal stated. The building, originally known as the Secretariat Building, was at the forefront of the nation's administration and witnessed the historic lowering of the Union Jack and raising of the Federation of Malaya flag in 1957. On January 31, the completion of Phase One restoration works was officiated by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, following 11 months of conservation under the Khazanah Heritage Fund programme.