Former Menteri Besar of Perak, Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib hopes that the state government can provide allocations in stages to repair the Pasir Salak Historical Complex, which has become increasingly dilapidated.
Pasir Salak Historical Complex was built in 1990 on the initiative of Ramli, who was the Menteri Besar of Perak at the time.
Previously, the media reported that the repair and restoration of the complex is expected to cost a lot of money due to the extensive damage to the historic building. Perak Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said, although he has not yet received the exact amount of the cost of repairing and restoring the complex, he is aware that it will require a lot of spending.
Ramli said that he understood the constraints and the costs of repairing the complex would be a lot of money, but it could be repaired little by little until it was fully restored.
“The state government is also aware of this. From time to time, I have already told the parties involved, especially from the tourism department.
“We know that even the state government does not have such a good financial position that it can repair the complex all at once.
“But I hope that funds can be allocated little by little so that eventually everything will be repaired. This is indeed the wish of all parties including myself, that the state government can provide some allocation.
“Some of the funds can also be used to allow the chalet on the banks of the Perak River to be repaired,” he said.
He said this at a press conference on the J.W.W Birch Murder Event Talk Programme from the perspective of Datuk Sagor’s next of kin, at the Institute of Teacher Education, Ipoh Campus on Wednesday.
Also present were the Director of Institute of Teacher Education, Ipoh Campus Ipoh, Dr Yahya Osman and his Deputy, Mohd Khadri Fazil Rahman.
Ramli who is also a descendant of Datuk Sagor with the title of “Orang Kaya Kaya Seri Agar DiRaja” also welcomed the proposal to welcome private parties interested in renovating the historic building.
“If there is such an initiative, then I welcome it. Because what is important is the long-term impact in terms of tourism, knowledge of history and so on.
“I welcome the action of the state government if they want to privatize the complex… no problem. As long as it is improved and people can enjoy what is there,” he added.
Ramli also said that the unique location can benefit many parties, especially history lovers and students to understand the meaning of independence that our ancestors fought for.
by Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
