PMD renamed 'Setia Perdana', MCA boss asks if this is linked to transition

The Prime Minister's Department Complex in Putrajaya has been renamed Setia Perdana.

The eight blocks in the building will henceforth be called "Setia Perdana 1" to "Setia Perdana 8", instead of "Block 1" to "Block 8."

"This is an initiative to rename government complexes which have been using the names 'Parcel A' to 'Parcel F' since Putrajaya was established 25 years ago," said the department in a statement today.

The term "setia" means “loyalty” while "perdana" means "premier". The prime minister's official residence is called "Seri Perdana."

"It is an ongoing effort to reflect the professionalism and rebranding of the Putrajaya administration. This decision is non-political and completely an administrative matter.

"There is no secrecy to the rebranding exercise which we have undertaken since last year, as competitions were even held among civil servants. Renaming government buildings need to go through strict procedures and processes.

"The renaming effective February 1, is also in conjunction with Federal Territory Day," said the department. 

Earlier today, MCA president Wee Ka Siong mocked Pakatan Harapan for renaming the building in the administrative capital.

"By renaming the building, our debt will reduce, the economy will improve, more investors will come in, toll charges will be abolished and people will be happier.

"Then again, there is 'strong wind' in Putrajaya currently. Is this a call to be loyal to the prime minister, whatever happens?" he asked.

Although he did not elaborate, the MCA president was clearly referring to the never-ending speculations surrounding the transition of power between Mahathir and PKR president Anwar Ibrahim.

 At a press conference this afternoon, Mahathir was quizzed on a news report which claimed there is a new political alignment in the making with his supporters seeking to co-opt PAS.

The report claimed this alignment would serve as a death knell for DAP and Anwar's chances of becoming the next prime minister.

Mahathir, however, laughed when the question was posed.

On the same note, the premier said he does not harbour grudges and had collaborated with political foes in the past for the good of the nation.

However, he stressed that he would not join hands with former premier Najib Abdul Razak, whom he described as a thief.

Najib is standing trial over a deluge of charges related to the 1MDB scandal and the transfer of RM42 million from SRC International Bhd into his personal bank account.