PAS demands explanation over deco change for new palace

Harakahdaily

KUALA LUMPUR, Mar 11: PAS has demanded an explanation from the government over the justification for interior design changes in the sprawling new national palace in Jalan Duta. PAS vice president Mahfuz Omar said he had been informed that the palace, the cost of which had jumped from an initial RM400 million to a whopping RM800 million, would have decorations inspired by the European monarchy instead of traditional Malay royal concept. Mahfuz said  the move not only amounted to an insult to Malay rulers but also would mean extra expenditure. "At a time when the King wanted people to stop questioning the sovereignty of the Malay rulers, the government seems to undermining it by revising the interior design of the national palace," he told Harakahdaily. Mahfuz questioned whether the government was not appreciative of the value of traditional Malay architecture. "Such a change definitely involves additional costs. I would like to know the extra amount for such an exercise. The parliament last June had been informed by deputy Works minister Yong Khoon Seng of an increase in the cost of the new National Palace, from RM400 million to RM800 million. The construction includes roadworks and flyovers leading to the complex. The project had been due for completion last month. Related: Question mark over dormant company's major role in new Palace construction A Malaysian palace fit for a king