Galeria Sri Perdana, Kuala Lumpur
Get a glimpse of the private life of Malaysia’s current premier at his former official residence.
PRIME Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is certainly the man of the hour right now. After a decisive victory in the recent 14th General Election, the 92-year-old man is leading Malaysia for the second time. Dr Mahathir’s political life actually started at the end of the Japanese occupation in then Malaya.
Learn all about his illustrious political career, as well as his life away from the limelight, at the premier’s former official residence – the Galeria Sri Perdana in Kuala Lumpur.
Why you should go
As Dr Mahathir’s former official residence, the gallery offers a more intimate perspective of the Father of Modernisation’s life away from the headlines.
A video recording of the charismatic man cooking his favourite dishes with his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Ali, coupled with candid portraits of the couple and their grandchildren, are sure to melt hearts.
The gallery also houses various awards, souvenirs and gifts that the prime minister and his wife received from world leaders, statesmen and Malaysians during his first tenure.
The objective of the gallery is to primarily foster a sense of closeness between the leader and public. Visitors might get a better sense of the man’s struggles and contributions, at the venue.
What to do
The building is divided into a few levels. The first level features the main lounge that used to receive foreign dignitaries. Look out for the fine decorative Malay woodcarvings here.
The ground level is also where the meeting room, banquet kitchen, theatre and exhibition hall are found. Meanwhile, the lower ground will take you to the main kitchen and laundry room.
Make your way up to the second floor for something a little more personal. Browse through Dr Mahathir’s collection of hats, shoes and walking sticks. There are also plenty of heartwarming family photos as you weave in through the bedrooms on the upper floor.
Be sure to take a stroll outside to see the motor vehicle display corner where a variety of cars and motorcycles given to Dr Mahathir as gifts are kept. Visitors will also find a greenhouse and an aviary.
Who will like it
Malaysians of all ages should definitely make a trip here to better appreciate Dr Mahathir’s contributions in making the nation great. Those curious about the premier’s family life might also get a better insight of the premier’s routine behind closed doors. The various personal exhibits will make one feel closer to the prime minister.
Getting there
Private vehicles, taxis or Grab, would be your best bet to get here.
Alternatively, the SMK Bukit Bandaraya bus stop – about 10 minutes walk away – is serviced by the Rapid KL Bus 822.
If you’re planning to alight from the train service at KL Sentral, take the Rapid KL 822 from YMCA.