Istana Negara or National Palace

Istana Negara or National Palace is the official residence of our king the Yang Di Pertuan Agung of Malaysia.

It is situated at a hillock along Jalan Istana.

Originally belong to a wealthy Chinese Business millionaire, Mr Chan Wing, who own the largest open cast tin mine in the world.

During the Japanese occupation there was a war between Chinese and Japanese. Mr Chan Wing was believe to be the biggest contributor to the Chinese opposition party and was on the highly wanted list by the Japanese. Chan Wing fled to India and his 2 storey mansion was used by the Japanese as an officer mess. After the Japanese surrender, Mr Chan Wing sold this building to the Selangor State Government. They renovated it to used as a palace for the Sultan of Selangor.

During our indepedent we were in need of an official place for the newly set up Monarchy system for official function and ceremony and official residence of the King. The Federal Governmet then bought it over from the selangor state government in 1957 and later extensively renovated in 1980 to hold the installation of Agung for the 1st time. Before that the royal ceremony was held at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Hall in Jalan Ampang.

At the entrance of the Palace there is a Royal Horse Guard and a standing Guard.

In the compound there is a flag pole. The flag will be raised when His Majesty is in town and when he is abroad it is lowered.

This is the only monarchy in the world that did not retain the title for more than 5 years. The 9 royal families agreed to each take turn to be paramount ruler for 5 years after the independent in 1957.

The present king is His Mejesty Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.

There is a new palace just built at Jalan Duta which cover 241 acres, almost 10 times the size of the present Istana.

The present ceremony hall, Balairong Seri no longer suitable for host banquet and meeting. It is believe that the present istana will be turned to Royal Muzium.