MALAY HERITAGE COMMITTEE (Government assistance)

Mr Harun A Ghani asked the Minister for Information and the Arts to what extent the Government will assist the Malay Heritage Committee other than providing the $2 million grant.

The Minister for Information and the Arts (Mr Lee Yock Suan): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Malay Heritage Centre is a Malay community project owned and led by the Malay community, with Government's assistance during the initial planning stage. Besides a matching grant of up to $2 million which will go towards an Endowment Fund, the Government will bear the full restoration cost of the former Istana Kg Glam and Gedung Kuning - the neighbouring building - also known as Bendahara House.

The National Heritage Board is also providing administrative and curatorial assistance to the Malay Heritage Foundation and its Management Committee in planning for the Centre.