The main building of the old Istana Negara will be preserved as a national heritage and opened to visitors with its original features and furnishings maintained, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

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 Yang di-Pertuan Agong as a constitutional monarchy at a building behind the old National Palace, he said in a written answer to Lim Lip Eng (DAP-Segambut).

Rais said the old Istana Negara, which had been the residence of 13 Yang di-Pertuan Agongs 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 the ministry until the contract is awarded to the successful company,” he said.

The Istana Negara was officially handed over to the ministry on Feb 21.

- Bernama