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Parliament House ~ Places to Visit in
Kuala Lumpur HOME > VISITORS GUIDE > PLACES TO VISIT > KL LAKE GARDENS AREA > PARLIAMENT HOUSE This uniquely Malaysian 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 being the brainchild of Malaysia's first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, was officiated by Tuanku Syed Putra ibni Almarhum Syed Hassan Jamalullail, the third Yang di-Pertuan Agong, on Nov 21, 1963. The
triangular structure that is the roof structure of the Dewan Rakyat hall has
11 sections, representing the number of states in the
Constructed with heat and
light absorbing glass, the design of the tower block resembles that of a
pineapple with beehive-like 'kerawang' or ornamental patterns. This provides
a controlled environment for light and heat within. The Dewan Rakyat and Dewan
Negara are associated with the colours blue and red respectively, and the
carpeting in both houses are so coloured. Although the designs of the two
halls are the same, the smaller Dewan Negara has nice stained glass windows
with traditional Islamic motifs. Rising through the centre of
this concourse is the sharp triangular outline of the roof (11 folded plate
roof) of the House of Representatives, representing the number of states in
the then Federation of Malaya. Malaysia, as a nation, including Sabah,
Sarawak and Singapore, was only formed on Sept 16, 1963, less than two
months before Parliament House was opened. 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. There is supposedly a tunnel
leading from Parliament House to the Lake Gardens to be used for emergency
evacuation. However, its exact location is not disclosed, either on grounds
of secrecy or due to disuse. A statue of Tunku Abdul Rahman was erected near the Parliament square. No other Malaysian prime minister has been honoured with a statue since due to a rising Islamic consciousness on the prohibition on graven images. Note
PLACES & SIGHTSEEING ~ LAKE GARDENS AREA | |||||
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