Bangunan Sulaiman Has Potential As Filming Location - Azalina

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 5 (Bernama) -- Film industry players can explore Bangunan Sulaiman, home to the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC), as a filming location, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

She said the historic building on Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin has distinct architecture and a backdrop the creative industry can utilise.

“If anyone wants to make a film here, please go ahead, provided you pay the rent,” she said in jest during her speech at the Arts, Popularity and Financial Survival Forum at the AIAC Auditorium here today.

She said the government preserved Bangunan Sulaiman because of its historical value, in line with international practices of housing arbitration centres in such heritage buildings.

The building previously housed the Federal Territory Syariah Court before being restored and turned into the AIAC headquarters.

Azalina also clarified that the AIAC is not a court but rather provides an alternative dispute resolution platform, including arbitration and mediation, to help disputing parties seek solutions outside the litigation process.

She said this approach can also help creative industry practitioners facing contract disputes involving services, production, or supplies.

Bangunan Sulaiman was declared a National Heritage Site in 2018 and has housed the AIAC facilities since 2014.

Meanwhile, National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) chairman Datuk Dr Hans Isaac described Bangunan Sulaiman as one of his favourite buildings in Malaysia due to its historical value and architectural uniqueness.

He said the emergence of new modern buildings should not lead the public to forget the nation’s architectural heritage.

“This is our history and it is one of the buildings that should be a source of pride for us as Malaysians,” he said.

-- BERNAMA