Kuala lumpur: Mastery of new technologies to advance the nation must go hand in hand with efforts to strengthen national identity, history, and local cultural heritage, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. He emphasized that initiatives like the restoration of the Seri Negara heritage building are not merely conservation efforts, but also serve to reaffirm the meaning of independence and national identity, enabling younger generations to understand the struggles and sacrifices that shaped the nation.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar highlighted that the Seri Negara building, once a symbol of colonial grandeur and elitism before the government took over in 1982, should now serve as a shared asset for all Malaysians. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of such historic buildings being accessible to ordinary citizens, ensuring they do not remain exclusive domains for the elite.
Anwar stated that beyond beautifying and conserving Seri Negara, the building should reflect its significance to the nation, encompassing narratives, history, arts, culture, and literature, in alignment with the MADANI nation's principle of inclusivity. He spoke at the Seri Negara Conservation completion ceremony, emphasizing that heritage conservation can coexist with high-investment-driven development without eroding historical and architectural values.
He proposed this approach as a model for heritage conservation projects nationwide, including in Kuala Lumpur, Sabah, and Sarawak. Anwar advocated for collaboration among government agencies, local authorities, and the corporate sector to balance development, identity, and public well-being, preventing cities and public spaces from becoming 'culturally barren'.
The event was graced by Tunku Besar Seri Menanti Tunku Ali Redhauddin Tuanku Muhriz, with notable attendees including Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and Khazanah Nasional Berhad managing director Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir.
The government introduced the Kuala Lumpur Heritage Project (Warisan KL) to conserve and revitalize historic assets as economic drivers and community spaces, aiming for a clean, progressive, and environmentally friendly capital. Warisan KL is projected to generate RM7.85 billion by 2035, encompassing key sites such as the Dataran Merdeka Heritage Area and the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station.
Under Warisan KL, Khazanah is tasked with conserving eight heritage and historic buildings, including the Bukit Carcosa properties of Seri Negara and Carcosa. This initiative also includes constructing a new bridge connecting Carcosa, Seri Negara, and the Perdana Botanical Gardens. Built in 1896 by Sir Frank Swettenham, Seri Negara served as the official residence of the first British Resident-General of the Federated Malay States and witnessed the signing of the Federation of Malaya Agreement in 1957.