Two ministries have conflicting ownership claims over the Carcosa Seri Negara, a colonial mansion built more than 100 years ago, reported The Star.
The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry insists that the property is under the control of the Federal Government’s unit, the Federal Land Commissioner. On the other hand, the National Heritage Department (JWN) says that Federal Territories Ministry is responsible for the heritage site.
According to Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, the building will be used as a world-class centre for Artefacts Trading and Performing Arts (ATP) that will be leased to and operated by Malaysian social enterprise, Asian Heritage Museum Sdn Bhd.
“The purpose of the tenancy includes Asian martial arts display, galleries for promoting the multicultural heritage and national integration of Sarawak and Sabah as well as an educational history tour of the place.”
Notably, the property was declared as a historical treasure by JWN in 2011 under the National Heritage Act 645 (2005).
“A decision was taken to rent out Carcosa Seri Negara to a genuine pro-heritage Malaysian group promoting heritage activities and with the fullest respect for the heritage status of the buildings,” said the Environment Ministry in a statement.
“Any renovation and structural alterations which affect their heritage building status shall not be allowed by the government. The tenancy will be terminated immediately if they do not comply with the conditions.”
While Carcosa Seri Negara is currently not in a good condition as it has been left abandoned for a long time after the previous lease had ended, the Natural Resources ministry has been appointed as the honorary advisor for the property to ensure it would be conserved as a National Heritage Site.
Meanwhile, JWN revealed that it held a series of meetings with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and Federal Territories Ministry to come with ideas on preserving Carcosa Seri Negara.
“We have submitted all the necessary documents such as Guidelines for Building Conservation Heritage and Conservation Management Plan (CMP) to DBKL as references for submissions for Request For Proposal.”
“JWN has no objections to the redevelopment of the site as it is in accordance with the provisions of Section 46 (1) of the National Heritage Act which states that in the preparation of the CMP, aspects of rehabilitation, restoration or reconstruction of a heritage site is encouraged.”
The department also noted that the redevelopment plans for the property must first be reviewed by the Heritage Commissioner.
“DBKL is looking to appoint a consultant conservator. Carcosa Seri Negara has potential to become a hub for heritage tourism and should be conserved in accordance with the provisions of the Act to be enjoyed by generations to come,” explained JWN.
The Star earlier reported that DBKL’s plan to transform Carcosa Seri Negara into a tourist attraction would not be realised if a private company succeeds in renting the colonial mansion.
“We were surprised too, but we were hoping the original plan to turn it into a hotel would be maintained,” said DBKL Executive Director (Planning) Datuk Mohd Najib Mohd.
Image sourced from Tempting Places
Diane Foo Eu Lynn, Senior Content Specialist at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact her about this or other stories email diane@propertyguru.com.my
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