LAMAN RASMI ADUN MAHARANI

JOHOR BARU: Kota Iskandar, the state government's new administrative centre, was launched by the Sultan Iskandar of Johor yesterday.

Sultan Iskandar of Johor and his Menteri Besar

Initially known as the Johor State New Administrative Centre (JSNEC), the 130-ha development includes a new state secretariat building, offices of the menteri besar and state secretary and several government complexes.

Located in Nusajaya, about 30km from here, the administrative centre will house about 6,000 civil servants in 76 state and Federal government departments.

Kota Iskandar, which was named after Sultan Iskandar, is to be the "heart" of the Iskandar Malaysia development corridor.

In his address, the sultan congratulated the Federal and state governments for the success of the project and thanked everyone involved in its realisation.
Appearing jovial throughout the function, the sultan peppered his speech with light banter, much to the delight of the more than 5,000 guests.

"I believe that these new and beautiful surroundings will enable civil servants to provide better services to the public.

"Civil servants should remember that by working hard, they will be elevating Johor's status.

"But, remember, don't get lazy and waste time," the sultan quipped, to the amusement of those present.

Sultan Iskandar said it was a historic day as Johor citizens now had another landmark to be proud of.

Also present at the function were the Sultanah of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Johor, Tunku Bendahara Johor and Raja Muda Johor.

Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said a lot of attention was paid to the design of the buildings.

"The multi-storey new state secretariat building was built based on the design of its predecessor, the Sultan Ibrahim Building at Bukit Timbalan in Johor Baru,"

Moorish, Andalusian and Johor Malay elements can be seen in its main tower, its arches and doorways.

Similar accents are also seen in the menteri besar and state secretary's offices.

Elements of traditional Johor Limas houses were also incorporated in all the office buildings. Gardens, courtyards and fountains are recurring features in Kota Iskandar.