NAJIB LAUNCHES
It is a symbol of Umno’s struggle and success in the past seven decades
KUALA LUMPUR
PRIME Minister and Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak last night launched the 70-storey tower project of the new Kuala Lumpur Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC KL).
The project, which will become a new landmark for the city, is a symbol of Umno’s struggle and success in the past seven decades.
Najib launched the project at Bukit Jalil National Stadium during the Umno 71st anniversary celebration, which drew 140,000 supporters and members from its 191 divisions nationwide.
The launch of the tower block of the project, which will be built at the former Putra Bus Terminal site here, was telecast live from the stadium.
The ground-breaking ceremony for the overall project was completed by Najib on Nov 29 during the party’s annual general meeting, where he said he hoped that the construction of PWTC KL, which will be the new Umno headquarters, would inspire members to continue to struggle for race, religion and country.
“It is a symbol of loyalty, sincerity and spirit of Umno members in empowering the struggle of Malays.
“This is a historic day for us, the successors of Umno leadership,” he was quoted as saying at the ground-breaking ceremony.
The 70-storey tower will accommodate offices, a 250-room six-star hotel, restaurants and a lounge area, which will offer a breathtaking view of Kuala Lumpur from the top floor.
The overall project, which will be implemented by Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd, will also comprise a mosque for 5,000 worshippers at any one time and a two-storey shopping podium.
The tower’s architecture is inspired by the traditional samping and the curves of the keris.
Tun Razak 1 and 2 Halls at PWTC will be merged to become a new world-class two-storey hall, providing a 26,630-sq-m floor area. The existing 45,675-sq-m Putrade Hall will be upgraded and can accommodate 54,000 people at a time for various events, such as conventions, wedding receptions and international conferences.
Tun Hussein Onn Hall and Tun Dr Ismail Hall at PWTC will be upgraded into local business centres, as well as venues for corporate events.
Also to be upgraded are Dewan Merdeka and the Dato’ Onn Tower, which is the Umno headquarters’ building.
PWTC’s construction began in 1981 and was completed in 1984. It was opened on Sept 2, 1985. Umno general assemblies have been held there ever since.