New lease on life: Anwar attending the opening of the newly restored Seri Negara building. (Below) A chandelier lighting up the interior of Carcosa. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Khazanah Nasional has completed the restoration of Seri Negara, one of the nation’s historic buildings where the 1957 Federation of Malaya Agreement was signed.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim witnessed the opening of the building, following a 10-month restoration project carried out by Khazanah as part of its Dana Warisan programme.
Khazanah managing director Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir said the restoration was undertaken after the government entrusted the sovereign wealth fund to conserve the site.
“The restoration of Seri Negara is a profound responsibility and privilege for Khazanah, with the goal not only of restoring the building but also bringing to life the spirit and stories that have shaped the nation,” he said, Bernama reported.
Under the Warisan KL initiative, Khazanah has been tasked with preserving and rejuvenating eight historic buildings in Kuala Lumpur, including Seri Negara and Carcosa at Bukit Carcosa.
The initiative also covers the Sultan Abdul Samad Building complex, which comprises Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad, Pejabat Pos Lama, the former Kuala Lumpur High Court, Panggung Bandaraya, the old FMS Survey Office and the National Textile Museum.
A pedestrian bridge linking Seri Negara and Carcosa to the Perdana Botanical Gardens Kuala Lumpur will also be built.
Khazanah has allocated RM600mil to fund the initiative.
Amirul Feisal also said the investment aligns with Khazanah’s domestic strategy to improve connectivity and support Kuala Lumpur’s role as an economic and cultural centre.
“Tourism has the potential to generate more than a two-times multiplier effect in boosting the local economy, with Seri Negara marking just the start,” he said.
He added that Khazanah will continue to work closely with government agencies, local authorities and partners to activate these restored buildings as tourism offerings, public cultural spaces, educational touchpoints and a source of national pride for future generations.
Khazanah said the 10-month restoration of Seri Negara focused on preserving the site’s architectural character while improving safety, accessibility and public facilities.
