The building will serve as the new administrative hub for the state government. Abang Johari said the building is not a residence but will function solely as a facility for government administration, Dayak Daily reported.

He said the building’s design reflects Sarawak’s aspirations to be a region with sound governance, strong institutions and global outlook.

An official name for the building has yet to be announced, but it has been popularly called Sarawak’s “White House” for its resemblance to the residence and workplace of the US president in Washington.

Situated on the hills of Petra Jaya, overlooking Sungai Sarawak and near the state assembly building, the complex comprises a three-storey building flanked by two double-storey structures on either side.