Old National Palace To Be Preserved As National Heritage

KUALA LUMPUR, March 15 (Bernama) -- The main building of the old National Palace will be preserved as a national heritage and opened to visitors with its original features and furnishings maintained, the Lower House of Parliament was told Thursday. Information Communications and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim said the decision was made by the Cabinet at its meeting on Jan 18. The ministry also plans to set up a gallery on the King as a constitutional monarchy at a building behind the old National Palace, he said in a written answer to Lim Lip Eng, a member of parliament from an opposition party. Rais said the old National Palace, which had been the residence of 13th King since independence in 1957, would also be capitalised as an exclusive centre for MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions). On its ownership, he said the old palace was still owned by the government, but it was proposed to be run by a private company. "For the time being, the cost maintenance and cleaning of the palace is borne by he ministry until the contract is awarded to the successful company," he said. The National Palace was officially handed over to the ministry on Feb 21. -- BERNAMA