In a statement posted on Facebook, the Pagoh MP said that upon his appointment as prime minister, he received a report from the prime minister’s department (JPM) regarding the state of the building.

The damage included leaks, outdated lighting systems, damaged floors and ceilings, and plumbing system faults, he said in his first response to the issue.

“I was also informed that the electrical wiring, lighting and mechanical equipment such as air conditioners also needed to be repaired as they were too worn out.

“According to experts, the wiring system of the Seri Perdana building, which is over 20 years old, could pose a risk of fire if not repaired immediately,” he said, when explaining why the work was approved.

Due to the nature of the accumulated damage, “much of the repair costs for Seri Perdana involved construction, electrical wiring and mechanical work,” he said.

The size of the property, over 56,000 sq ft, also contributed to the high costs.

“If it wasn’t repaired immediately, this government heritage building would have suffered worse damage later and restoration costs would certainly increase.”

Muhyiddin added that JPM’s report had also recommended the purchase of new furniture, as much of it had been removed as it had apparently belonged to the sixth prime minister, Najib Razak.

He said that all repairs were closely monitored by both the Public Works Department and JPM, and said both have detailed information about the project that can be shared with the public in the interest of transparency.

“For the record, I never occupied Seri Perdana as long as I served as prime minister,” Muhyiddin added.

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