KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 – The development of Kuala Lumpur needs to be balanced between modernity and preservation of cultural heritage so that it remains unique as the capital of Malaysia.

Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that the conservation of heritage in the city is not just as a tourist attraction, but rather a symbol of national identity that needs to be uphold.

“If we are serious about preserving the identity of Kuala Lumpur so that KL is unique, that uniqueness is not just because of the Twin Towers but its identity – modern, high-tech and moving according to the demands of the times, but there is a difference because it upholds the history, culture, values ​​and diversity that are rooted in Kuala Lumpur,” he said when speaking at the Launching Ceremony of Warisan KL: Warisan Ibu Kota Malaysia MADANI at the Kuala Lumpur City Hall today.

Anwar said that this approach is important in ensuring that the development of this city does not ignore the identity of the people and the heritage that has shaped Kuala Lumpur since its establishment.

“We do not want Kuala Lumpur to be known only for its large buildings, but also as a city rich in its own cultural and historical values,” he said.

The KL Heritage Programme is an initiative to strengthen Kuala Lumpur's identity as a capital city that is balanced between physical development and heritage sustainability, in line with the concept of MADANI Malaysia.

Also present at the event were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif.