KUALA LUMPUR – Plans to renovate the Seri Perdana Complex for RM38.5 million was given the green light in March this year under the purview of then prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
In a statement in response to the controversy surrounding the high cost involved for the official residence of the prime minister, Special Functions Minister Datuk Abd Latiff Ahmad said the 22-year-old complex, which began construction in 1997 and was completed in 1999, had suffered numerous damage over the years.
“As such, the Public Works Department (PWD) had prepared a scope of restoration works, with the overall cost at RM38.5 miliion for the project, including for works to fix the electrical wiring systems and roof leaks within the complex.
“The project was approved on March 19 and repair works commenced on March 29. All works are scheduled to be completed by December 7 this year,” he said.
He added as of today, the restoration works are 74% completed compared with the estimated 71% as per schedule.
Latiff’s response comes after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob told the Dewan Rakyat that the renovations at Seri Perdana are necessary to ensure safety, as well as to preserve the country’s image during visits by key dignitaries.
The explanation comes after Datuk Mahfuz Omar (Pokok Sena-PH) sought justification for the spending at a time when Malaysians are reeling from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a parliamentary reply, the prime minister said the improvements include electrical wiring and mechanical works, as well as works on the air-conditioning systems and structural modifications to the official residential block.
Old and dilapidated furniture were replaced in accordance with the status of Seri Perdana, he had said.
He had also said the progress of the renovations stood at 60% as of August 31. – The Vibes, September 29, 2021
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