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The Star
18-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Dr Mahathir's old home, your next day out: Galeria Sri Perdana now open
With 1980s retro back in style, Dr Mahathir's office at Galeria Sri Perdana reflects that era - simple, functional, and lined with his personal book collection. Photo: The Star/Low Boon Tat History buffs and curious visitors alike now have a fresh reason to explore Bukit Persekutuan's (Federal Hill) leafy slopes in Kuala Lumpur: Galeria Sri Perdana, the former official residence of Malaysia's fourth prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, reopened to the public on July 10 - fittingly on his 100th birthday. Under the stewardship of the National Archives of Malaysia (Arkib Negara Malaysia) since 2000, Galeria Sri Perdana is more than an architectural relic on Jalan Terengganu - it invites visitors to step into spaces where family life and official history unfolded, from dining areas to desks where key decisions were made. National Archives Director General Datuk Jaafar Sidek Abdul Rahman said the RM12.76mil upgrade under the Eleventh Malaysia Plan will help preserve the building for future generations. Dr Mahathir didn't need to travel far for a trim - Galeria Sri Perdana had its own barber room for his personal grooming. Photo: The Star/Low Boon Tat 'The upgrading works covered everything from rewiring the air-conditioning and lighting systems to repairing structural elements and restoring the lush gardens that surround the gallery,' said Jaafar at the recent opening ceremony. He added that the revitalised museum space aims to help Malaysians connect with the nation's history, culture and leaders. After extensive conservation, the historic residence now serves as a public gallery/museum and educational tourism centre. Once called 'Sri Timah,' this bungalow began as a property of the Malaysia Mining Corporation before it was repurposed by the government as the residence of Dr Mahathir and his family (between August 1983 and October 1999, before he moved to Putrajaya). Today, visitors can explore three exhibition levels at Galeria Sri Perdana, where over 3,500 personal items belonging to Dr Mahathir are displayed - from everyday furniture and family dining sets to vehicles, documents, shoes and traditional Malay attire. Dr Mahathir's official Proton Perdana, bearing the 'Proton 2020' plate, now stands parked outside as a nod to his vision of modern Malaysia. Photo: The Star/Low Boon Tat The Main Guest area - a spacious hall - hosted ceremonies and gatherings ranging from courtesy visits by local and international guests to annual Hari Raya gift-giving for military and police personnel. Intimate press conferences, "doa selamat" and congregational prayers, wedding solemnisations, and even newborn hair-trimming ceremonies for grandchildren all took place here, making it a space rich in personal and national memories. In July 1993, the late Yasser Arafat, the emblematic leader of the Palestinian national movement, was also received by Dr Mahathir in this main meeting area. For visitors, exploring private spaces like the Bedroom and Family Dining Room alongside official areas offers a glimpse into two very different worlds. In a modest corner on the second floor, a "barbershop" still stands. This was where Dr Mahathir sat for haircuts by his trusted barber Mohan Muthupandithan, who came by request. More than a grooming spot, it reveals how small routines fit into the prime minister's busy schedule. Visitors today can see this humble space and reflect on the ordinary moments behind an extraordinary public life. One of the lounge areas at Galeria Sri Perdana where Dr Mahathir once welcomed guests. Photo: The Star/Low Boon Tat A display case featuring his personal collection of hats is also a conversation starter. Few also know that Dr Mahathir is an avid woodworker, a hobby he has cherished since childhood. A carpentry room in Sri Perdana offered him a space to unwind, crafting everything from model aircraft and government emblems to bookshelves and sculptures. Here, visitors glimpse the quiet pastime that balanced the demands of leadership. After pandemic closures and major conservation work, Galeria Sri Perdana's reopening comes as local tourism picks up, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Malaysia's modern history. Galeria Sri Perdana is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm, and closed on Mondays except during school holidays. Admission is free.
Straits Times
16-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Mahathir's old home in KL reopens to the public after makeover
Find out what's new on ST website and app. With 1980s retro back in style, Dr Mahathir's office at Galeria Sri Perdana reflects that era - simple, functional, and lined with his personal book collection. KUALA LUMPUR - History buffs and curious visitors alike now have a fresh reason to explore Federal Hill's leafy slopes in Kuala Lumpur, after Galeria Sri Perdana, the former official residence of Malaysia's fourth prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, reopened to the public on July 10 - fittingly on his 100th birthday. Under the stewardship of the National Archives of Malaysia since 2000, Galeria Sri Perdana is more than an architectural relic on Jalan Terengganu - it invites visitors to step into spaces where family life and official history unfolded, from dining areas to desks where key decisions were made. National Archives director-general Datuk Jaafar Sidek Abdul Rahman said the RM12.76 million (S$3.84 million) upgrade under the Eleventh Malaysia Plan will help preserve the building for future generations. Dr Mahathir didn't need to travel far for a trim - Galeria Sri Perdana had its own barber room for his personal grooming. 'The upgrading works covered everything from rewiring the air-conditioning and lighting systems to repairing structural elements and restoring the lush gardens that surround the gallery,' said Mr Jaafar at the recent opening ceremony. He added that the revitalised museum space aims to help Malaysians connect with the nation's history, culture and leaders. After extensive conservation, the historic residence now serves as a public gallery and museum and educational tourism centre. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. 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Today, visitors can explore three exhibition levels at Galeria Sri Perdana, where over 3,500 personal items belonging to Dr Mahathir are displayed - from everyday furniture and family dining sets to vehicles, documents, shoes and traditional Malay attire. Dr Mahathir's official Proton Perdana, bearing the 'Proton 2020' plate, now stands parked outside as a nod to his vision of modern Malaysia. The main guest area - a spacious hall - hosted ceremonies and gatherings ranging from courtesy visits by local and international guests to annual Hari Raya gift-giving for military and police personnel. Intimate press conferences, 'doa selamat' and congregational prayers, wedding solemnisations, and even newborn hair-trimming ceremonies for grandchildren all took place here, making it a space rich in personal and national memories. In July 1993, the late Yasser Arafat, the emblematic leader of the Palestinian national movement, was also received by Dr Mahathir in this main meeting area. Dr Mahathir's official Proton Perdana, bearing the 'Proton 2020' plate, now stands parked outside as a nod to his vision of modern Malaysia. PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK For visitors, exploring private spaces like the bedroom and family dining room alongside official areas offers a glimpse into two very different worlds. In a modest corner on the second floor, a 'barbershop' still stands. This was where Dr Mahathir sat for haircuts by his trusted barber Mohan Muthupandithan, who came by request. More than a grooming spot, it reveals how small routines fit into the prime minister's busy schedule. Visitors today can see this humble space and reflect on the ordinary moments behind an extraordinary public life. A display case featuring his personal collection of hats is also a conversation starter. Dr Mahathir didn't need to travel far for a trim - Galeria Sri Perdana had its own barber room for his personal grooming. PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Few also know that Dr Mahathir is an avid woodworker, a hobby he has cherished since childhood. A carpentry room in Sri Perdana offered him a space to unwind, crafting everything from model aircraft and government emblems to bookshelves and sculptures. Here, visitors glimpse the quiet pastime that balanced the demands of leadership. After pandemic closures and major conservation work, Galeria Sri Perdana's reopening comes as local tourism picks up, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Malaysia's modern history. Galeria Sri Perdana is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm, and closed on Mondays except during school holidays. Admission is free. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
The Star
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Galeria Sri Perdana reopens on day Dr M turns 100
KUALA LUMPUR: Galeria Sri Perdana, the former residence of the prime minister, has re-opened on the same day as Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's 100th birthday. Dr Mahathir, who turned 100 years old on Thursday (July 10), said he had many memorable experiences when he stayed there during his first tenure as prime minister. "This was a reasonably sized house for a prime minister, as at that time we were not rich. "And (it) received many leaders from many countries," he told reporters at the launch Thursday. Sharing an experience, the longest-serving prime minister said he had hosted dinner for a European leader at the residence. "I told the man, I am going to serve a special fruit during the dinner. "The moment I said a special fruit, he assumed it was durian and turned down the offer. "Turns out it was not durian but ciku. At that time, Europeans had some 'fear' for durians," said Dr Mahathir, drawing laughter from the floor. Galeria Sri Perdana was the official residence of Malaysia's fourth prime minister and has been transformed into a gallery. The gallery not only retains significant historical value but also serves as a centre for knowledge and educational tourism, according to the National Archives. The building was originally known as "Sri Timah", a residence owned by the Malaysia Mining Corporation before it was acquired by the government and became the official residence of Dr Mahathir and his family from 1983 to 1999. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the gallery was closed between 2020 and 2021 and later temporarily shut again starting Jan 1, 2023, to make way for the Upgrading and Conservation of Building Exhibits Project. This project was approved under the Eleventh Malaysia Plan (RMK11) and was fully completed on Dec 17, 2024. The gallery, which comprises three levels of exhibition spaces and one administrative block, now showcases more than 3,500 items of memorabilia including collections of furniture, vehicles, documents and clothing belonging to Dr Mahathir. Visitors can explore areas such as the Bedroom, Family Dining Room and Meeting Room once used by Dr Mahathir and his family.
