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- While expressing support for the initiative to preserve the historical building, Muar member of Parliament Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said the amount appeared excessive and “does not make sense.”
KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 14): Muar member of Parliament Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (pictured) has questioned the rationale behind Khazanah Nasional Bhd’s RM600 million investment for the restoration of Carcosa Seri Negara.
While expressing support for the initiative to preserve the historical building, Syed Saddiq said the amount appeared excessive and “does not make sense.”
“For food security, the government only allocated RM515 million, but RM600 million is being invested for restoration works. I hope the minister will provide an explanation,” he said.
He also called on the government to clarify plans for the building once the restoration is completed.
“If it is meant for politicians or ministers to hold programmes there, I think it would be better for us to focus on other priorities,” he added.
When tabling Budget 2026 last Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that Khazanah will invest RM600 million in conservation works at Carcosa Seri Negara, as well as six blocks of Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad in Kuala Lumpur.
Once the official residence and guest house of the British High Commissioner in Malaya, Carcosa Seri Negara—long neglected in the heart of the capital—played a significant role in the Malaysian independence movement, hosting key meetings including those where the Federal Constitution was drafted.
Following the country’s independence, the colonial-era estate operated as a luxury hotel until 2015. It was closed in 2019 and later taken over by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture for preservation.
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