Anwar Defends Khazanah’s RM600 Mln Investment To Restore Carcosa Seri Negara

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has defended Khazanah Nasional Bhd’s (Khazanah) RM600 million investment for the restoration of heritage buildings in Kuala Lumpur, including Carcosa Seri Negara, describing them as significant landmarks that embody the nation’s history and identity.

The Finance Minister said the historic buildings are not merely relics of the past but symbols of the Malay Rulers’ heritage and the nation’s journey towards independence.

“There were questions raised about Carcosa — this is the problem when sometimes the opposition doesn’t read. Carcosa is a heritage site. I take pride in our history...I take pride in Carcosa as part of the legacy of the Malay Rulers.

“Kuala Lumpur should be recognised as a city that is modern in its technology and rich in culture. When we begin investing there, it will encourage further investments in the surrounding areas,” he said when addressing the monthly assembly of the Finance Ministry here today.

Anwar announced the investment during the tabling of Budget 2026 last week.

The building was built in 1896 by Sir Frank Swettenham, the first British Resident-General of the Federated Malay States, and served as his official residence from 1904. It also witnessed the signing of the Federation of Malaya Agreement in 1957.

Anwar said the conservation of Kuala Lumpur’s historic buildings does not mean that surrounding structures or places of worship will be neglected.

“…we will ensure that other buildings, including churches and Hindu temples, are not overlooked and will also be developed together,” he said.

On Monday, Khazanah managing director Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir explained that the RM600 million investment not only involves the restoration of Carcosa Seri Negara but also includes six blocks of buildings within the Sultan Abdul Samad Building Complex.

He said the investment is part of the Warisan KL initiative, which seeks to revitalise the capital’s heritage and redefine its role as a cultural and economic hub.

-- BERNAMA