PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has defended Khazanah Nasional Bhd’s RM600 million investment in heritage conservation across Kuala Lumpur, saying the initiative reflects the country’s pride in its historical legacy and serves as a catalyst for future investment and urban regeneration.
The investment, which includes the restoration of the iconic Carcosa Seri Negara and six building blocks within the Sultan Abdul Samad Building complex, has faced criticism from the opposition, who questioned its alignment with the mandate of government-linked investment companies (GLICs).
Addressing the matter during the Ministry of Finance’s monthly assembly on Wednesday, Anwar dismissed the criticism as uninformed.
“There is the issue of Carcosa that was raised. This is a problem when sometimes the opposition does not read,” he said. “This [Carcosa] is a heritage. I am proud of my history, I am proud of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building as a heritage of the Malay Kings who played a role including the opening of Kuala Lumpur.”
Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, stressed that Carcosa Seri Negara is not merely a relic of the colonial past, but a symbol of the Malay rulers’ place in the country’s journey towards independence.
“In addition, we ensure that the buildings behind, including if there is a church or Hindu temple behind us, we do not ignore it, we build it once. But the historical legacy of Malay strength and our history — from the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Padang Merdeka, the Malay Railway, the Dayabumi Complex to Carcosa Seri Negara — it's like a heritage park,” he said.
The Prime Minister argued that the RM600 million allocation is not a subsidy or form of welfare, but a strategic investment under the Warisan KL initiative. He said revitalising historic sites would not only preserve cultural identity but also enhance Kuala Lumpur’s position as a modern city with rich historical and architectural value.
“Kuala Lumpur is known for being technologically modern but culturally fresh. And when we start investing there, it will attract other investments to develop around it,” Anwar said. “So, the RM600 million is not welfare money, but an investment, including to preserve historical interests.”
Khazanah Nasional has clarified that the investment is part of a long-term strategy to revitalise the capital’s heritage landscape, in line with its broader role in nation-building. Its managing director, Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir, said the Warisan KL project is aimed at redefining Kuala Lumpur as a cultural and economic hub.
Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin had earlier criticised the move, calling it a "deviation" from Khazanah’s core mandate to build economic resilience and generate long-term returns.
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,” Bernama cited him saying.
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.
Rising Violence In Schools
In a separate address at the same event, Anwar also commented on other pressing issues, including rising violence in schools, reaffirming the government’s commitment to take firm action. He said the matter would be discussed at a Cabinet meeting either on Wednesday or Thursday.
“Nearly all of them [cases] ultimately come back to smartphones and social media apps. Firm action is necessary. Of course, there will be various reactions, but decisive measures must be taken,” he said.
Sarawak Road Maintenance Allocation
Meanwhile, in a written parliamentary reply, Anwar also confirmed that a total of RM2.44 billion has been allocated for state road maintenance works in Sarawak from 2022 until August 2025.
He noted that the funds were channelled under the State Road Maintenance Grant, as provided by Article 109(1)(b) of the Federal Constitution, to support road infrastructure via the Malaysia Road Record Information System (Marris). - October 15, 2025
