MALAYSIAN HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT
Taman Duta
SPECIAL PROJECTS
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
When the nation gained independence in 1957, it is was believed that the nation needs a venue to represent the identity of democracy of the nation. Therefore, in 1959, Tunku Abdul Rahman proposed the idea for a building complex where the Malaysian Parliament assemble to govern the nation and function as the most important institution for privacy and security purposes.
Designed by architect Ivor Shipley, the building used new and advanced technology in construction. It focused on functional and simplistic language, and incorporated with appropriate design motifs as well as climatic adaptability features to further enhance the functionality of the building. This first modernist building in Malaysia hence now stands remarkably on top of West Folly Hill, at the Lake Gardens in Kuala Lumpur proudly symbolizing symbolizing a progressive country in the faith of parliament democracy.
BUILDING TIMELINE
1960
1930
1950
1960
1960
Backstory
1935
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Tunku Abdul Rahman Hall in Jalan Ampang was built in 1935 is originally the residence of Mr. Eu Tong Sen, a wealthy and famous miner and estate owner in Kuala Lumpur built
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It was renovated by master builders who were specially hired to convert the building into the meeting hall for the Senate and House of Representatives
PRE-MERDEKA
ERA
Parliament Session on 11th September 1959
Source: Official Portal of The Parliament of Malaysia
https://www.parlimen.gov.my/bangunan-parlimen-malaysia.html?id=7&view=238&album=0&uweb=web
11th September
1959
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The Parliament of the Federation of Malaya was established in 1959 following the nation’s first General Elections (GE) after Merdeka in 1957
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Malaya’s first Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Rahman Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Muhammad, officiated the opening of our nation’s inaugural Parliament
December
1959
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Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first Malayan Prime Minister, suggested the construction of the Houses of Parliament
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The architect, Ivor Shipley under PWD was asked to go India and find out their experience what constituted a modern Parliament building with an Upper and Lower House
The foundation stone of Parliament Complex was laid by His Majesty The 3rd King, Tuanku Syed Putra Al-Haj Ibni Al-Marhum Syed Hassan Jamalullail
Source: Official Portal of The Parliament of Malaysia
https://www.parlimen.gov.my/bangunan-parlimen-malaysia.html?id=7&view=238&album=0&uweb=web
31st August
1962
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His Majesty The 3rd King, Tuanku Syed Putra Al-Haj Ibni Al-Marhum Syed Hassan Jamalullail laid the foundation stone for the building, then the construction work started
A hill with a size of 16.2 hectares which was known as 'West Folly Hill' was being levelled during the early stage of construction
Source: Official Portal of The Parliament of Malaysia
https://www.parlimen.gov.my/bangunan-parlimen-malaysia.html?id=7&view=238&album=0&uweb=web
September
1962
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An area, then known as West Folly Hill of 16.2 hectares near the Kuala Lumpur Flower Garden was chosen because of its strategic location which is located on a hill and close to Kuala Lumpur City Center
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The hilltop was levelled about 61 meter from above sea level in September 1962
MERDEKA ERA
Construction
Parliament Building in construction
Source: Official Portal of The Parliament of Malaysia
https://www.parlimen.gov.my/bangunan-parlimen-malaysia.html?id=7&view=238&album=0&uweb=web
1962 - 1963
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The construction of the building cost RM18 million
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Construction experiments and tests on cladding panels was done on site, where they had concrete control system on site operated by PWD for batches of cement
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Façade terrazzo panels were made locally, with imported marble chips from Italy and imported white cement
1962 - 1963
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The Main Block has three storeys with the size of 380 X 290 feet
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The roof-top has a unique design of 11 triangle shaped structure called pinnacle and beneath the roof lies the House of Representatives
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The whole block covered with pineapple-skin like façade is made of terrazzo with 11 feet in height and 40 inches width to control sunlight
1962 - 1963
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The Tower Block consists of 17 storeys, with the height of 76.2 metres and 450 metres square feet in size for each storey
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Level 17, which is the highest level, has an open space that is frequently used for functions. It is known as Anjung Parlimen. The scenery from level 17 is breathtaking with the panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur skyline
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Multipurpose Hall before renovation
https://www.parlimen.gov.my/bangunan-parlimen-malaysia.html?id=7&view=238&album=0&uweb=web
1962 - 1963
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The Parliament's Multipurpose Hall was equipped with recreational facilities such as courts (tennis, badminton, futsal and volleyball), gymnasium, sauna room to be used by the Members of Parliament and staff
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It was being used for sports before being renovated into Conference Hall later after building completion
1962 - 1963
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There is also banquet hall that can accommodate 500 guests at any one time. It was also used for the first time for National Function on 18 September 1963
Events
2nd November
1963
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Tuanku Syed Putra Al-Haj Ibni Al-Marhum Syed Hassan Jamalullail officially opened the Parliament complex
1970
The statue of Tunku Abdul Rahman unveiled in 1971
1971
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In recognition of our first Prime Minister’s efforts in making the Parliament complex a reality, a statue of Tunku Abdul Rahman was unveiled in front of the Tower Block.
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It was sculpted by Felix de Weldon
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Multipurpose Hall after renovation
https://www.parlimen.gov.my/bangunan-parlimen-malaysia.html?id=7&view=238&album=0&uweb=web
28th March - 5th September
2011
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The Multipurpose Hall of the Parliament House was being renovated to become Conference Hall for the House of the Representatives and the Senate
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The 3rd Meeting of the 4th Term of 12nd Parliament was the first conference held in this newly improvised Conference Hall on 3rd October 2011
Work to repair pinnacle being done
Source: Official Portal of The Parliament of Malaysia
https://www.parlimen.gov.my/bangunan-parlimen-malaysia.html?id=7&view=238&album=0&uweb=web
1st March - 26th September
2012
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The renovation involved the reparation of the pineapple-skin design like terrazzo façade panel at Main Block and Tower Block, the interior and exterior of the pinnacle roof at the Main Building and other related works. This to ensure the lifespan of the building can be increased to benefit our future generation
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36-metre-high scaffolding was installed outside of the pinnacle roof for repairing of the concrete structure and waterproofing system at the exterior of pinnacle roof
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42-metre-high scaffolding was installed in the House of Representatives at the Main Block in the area are concrete structure and acoustic system repair at the interior of the roof
POST-MERDEKA
ERA
March
2014
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There was proposed restoration works and upgrading for the Main Block, Parliament Square
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The ceiling cost of this project is RM185 million and the estimated duration of the project is 30 months
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A temporary office was completed within the scope of Phase 2B project to accommodate the offices and staff moved from the Main Block during construction works
2010
OTHER RESOURCES
Related Link /
Website
Official Website
TBC