Kuala lumpur: Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has expressed delight over efforts by Khazanah Nasional to restore and conserve the Sultan Abdul Samad Building here, which holds significant historical value, Describing the building as a national heritage that must be preserved, His Royal Highness said he had previously voiced concerns over the condition of several Selangor historical buildings in the capital, which appeared increasingly neglected around 2018 and 2019.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sultan Sharafuddin said that despite discussions and debates over the cost of restoration works, he was concerned that the state's invaluable historical heritage could be lost if preservation efforts were not undertaken. "I fear that in the end, there will be no evidence of Selangor's heritage in Kuala Lumpur for future generations to appreciate," the Ruler said during a visit to the iconic building here today.

Built in 1894, Sultan Sharafuddin noted the building's historical significance as it once served as the new Selangor state government office, as well as the federal administrative headquarters when Kuala Lumpur was declared the administrative centre of the Federated Malay States in 1896. He highlighted that the building was completed within two years and seven months and officially opened on April 3, 1897, during the reign of his forebear, Sultan Sir Abdul Samad, the fourth Sultan of Selangor.

Sultan Sharafuddin explained that for 77 years, the building was known as the Selangor Secretariat and the Federal Secretariat, reflecting its important dual role in the country's administration at the time. After Kuala Lumpur was declared a Federal Territory on Feb 1, 1974, with the consent of his father, the late Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Alhaj, and following the relocation of Selangor's capital to Shah Alam, the building came under the Federal Government and was renamed the Sultan Abdul Samad Building.

The Sultan remarked that the handover of Kuala Lumpur to the Federal Government was his father's greatest sacrifice for the development and progress of Malaysia as a whole, and this building stands as a witness to that. The building holds personal significance for Sultan Sharafuddin, as he had served there in 1968 under the administration of the late Datuk Seri Harun Idris, before being posted to the Kuala Lumpur Land Office at the Old Chartered Bank Building.

Sultan Sharafuddin recounted learning the intricacies of state administration in the building and expressed admiration for Harun's leadership. He also recalled officiating the opening of the State Legislative Assembly meeting at the building, which deepens his sense of attachment and appreciation for its historical value and symbolism to Selangor and the nation.

Following a meticulous restoration process, the building has been revitalised as a public space and was opened to visitors for the first time on Feb 2, a moment that is a source of great pride. The Sultan expressed hope that conservation efforts would continue to be strengthened, not only for the Sultan Abdul Samad Building but also for other heritage sites in Kuala Lumpur linked to Selangor's history.

Sultan Sharafuddin emphasized that historical heritage is not merely a remnant of the past, but a foundation of national identity that must be preserved for future generations. "May the Sultan Abdul Samad Building continue to stand tall as a symbol of history, heritage and national pride," he said.