This news probably already expired (was in news 2 years ago!). But at least this news should be published in the Royal Domain website. The new Istana Negara in Jalan Duta is supposed to be completed by 2009. Looking at the progress now, the land is still being cleared hence the completion date must be more than 2009.

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 (Bernama) -- A new palace complex costing RM400 million in Jalan Duta will be built to replace the Istana Negara that has been used since 1928.

Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said work on the new Istana Negara to be built atop a hill on a 241.3-acre (96.52 hectares) site would start next June and slated for completion in 2009.

An artist impression of the new Istana Negara complex at Jalan Duta. Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail officiated the ground-breaking ceremony for the new RM400 million palace project.

"We need a new palace with larger space. Currently, the Balai Rong Seri of Istana Negara is also used for banquets and meetings. One room for multiple use is just inadequate," he told reporters at the ground-breaking ceremony for the new palace in Jalan Duta here, Monday.

It was officiated by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Cabinet members were also present.

Samy Vellu said the new Istana Negara steeped in Islamic and Malay architectural designs had been on the drawing board since nine months ago.

"It will not be the largest palace as there are larger ones around, but will be one suitable for a country like Malaysia," he added.

He said the fate of the present Istana Negara would be determined by the Prime Minister's Department. Bernama has been made to understand that it had been proposed as a royal museum.

Kumpulan Seni Reka Sdn Bhd has been appointed architect for the new palace with Maya Maju Sdn Bhd the building contractor.

Samy Vellu said the site for the new palace had been gazetted for the purpose 30 years ago.

Source: BERNAMA Nov 13, 2006