|
| |
Parliament House / Bangunan
Parlimen - Places to Visit in Kuala Lumpur
Destinations and Sights - Lake Gardens Area
This uniquely designed building symbolises the democratic system of Malaysia.
The Parliament House, built in September 1962. is set up on a hill in the scenic
Lake Gardens and is flanked by fountains and other ornamental features. The
building cost RM18mil and was the brainchild of Malaysia's first Prime Minister,
Tunku Abdul Rahman.
 The
complex consists of two parts: the main building, which is a three-storey
building, and its 18-storey tower annexe. Within the building are two national
assembly halls: the Dewan Rakyat (Parliament) and Dewan Negara (Senate).
Although the designs of the two halls are the same, the smaller Dewan Negara has
nice stained glass windows with traditional Islamic motifs.
A striking feature of the entire project is the elaborate water system which
circulates specially treated water to the four floors of the main block as well
as the 730,000 litre pool in the forecourt. Rising through the centre of this
concourse is the sharp triangular outline of the roof (11 folded plate roof) of
the House of Representatives.
The 20 level tower block, contains offices for ministers and members of the
Upper and Lower Chambers. Topping the floors of office space in the tower block
is an open sided terrace commanding a magnificent view of the federal capital.
This is used for informal receptions.
On the ground floor is a small circular prayer room which can accommodate 100
persons. Dominating the ground floor is the massive banquet hall which can
accommodate 500 people. Other facilities on the ground floor include a royalty
room (for our King), library, a press room, lounge and canteen.
Costing RM16 million, the project took 3 and a half years to complete and cost
and was officially opened on 2nd November, 1963.
The ground of the Parliament House covers an area of 14.6 hectares (35 acres)
and is planted with Berlian trees (from Sarawak), Tamar trees (date palms from
Saudi Arabia), Mata Kucing trees (from Mauritius), Chestnut trees and others.
There is a mini-park stocked with deer (from the initial 6 presented by Suharto,
the former president of Indonesia) and some exotic birds.
Although the building itself it not open to the public unless granted written
approval, one can catch a good view of the Parliament House from the National
Monument as well as from Taman Tasik Perdana (the Lake Gardens)
Best way to Visit -
Take a City Tour
DESTINATIONS & SIGHTS -
LAKE GARDENS AREA
War Memorial /
Parliament
House /
National Museum /
Islamic Arts Museum /
The Old Railway Station /
National
Mosque /
Butterfly Park /
Orchid & Hibiscus Gardens /
Bird Park
|
