Symbol of royal legacy and glory

The Istana Negara in Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur, is the centrepiece of the country’s consitutional monarchy. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star

IN the olden days since the Melaka Sultanate, the Malay royal palaces not only served as the main dwellings for the Ruler and his family, but played other prominent roles such as centres of intellectual discourse and dissemination of education.

Based on historical records, the palaces were spaces of intellectual discourse and translation of Arabic literature and royal records.