GEORGE TOWN: THE iconic Dewan Sri Pinang embodies elements of Penang’s past, present and future.
The landmark building, located in between Lebuh Light and Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah here has been popular since it was opened in 1972 to mark the annual ceremony for the conferment of state titles.
The investiture takes centre stage every year and the Yang di-Pertua Negeri confers the state awards to recipients at the main auditorium which has a capacity to seat 1,000.
The ceremony is also the most important event to take place in the facility.
Incidentally, Syed Sheh Hassan Barakbah was the Yang di-Pertua Negeri who opened the building in 1972.
Dewan Sri Pinang has a modest charm owing to the era’s modernist architectural style.
It is a popular choice for seminars, weddings, civil servant examinations and concerts.
The Penang Symphony Orchestra conducts weekly practice sessions here.
The building is also the venue for the annual George Town Festival shows and concerts.
This year the building was used in for the state funeral of former DAP chairman Karpal Singh who died in a road accident in April. Thousands of people, including Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas, his wife, Toh Puan Majimor Shariff, political figures and the public had paid their last respects to one of Penang’s most prominent sons.
The funeral of Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu was also held at Dewan Sri Pinang four years ago.
Time has taken a toll on the building, which requires constant maintenance.
Deputy state secretary Datuk Yusoff Wazir said the building undergoes renovations every year to upgrade its facade and internal structures.
“Our plan includes upgrading the air-conditioning system and applying fresh coats of paint for the interior and exterior,” he told Streets recently.
“We also have to upgrade the roofing every five years and the next round of works is due soon.”
Yusoff said the maintenance works would be done in phases.
A groundsman said the cone-shaped chandelier mounted to the ceiling in front of the main auditorium had been acquired from Turkey in the 1990s by a state government envoy.
The building was funded by the Queen’s Hall Fund, Sir Henry Gurney Memorial Fund and Merdeka Celebration Fund.
There is also an aviary as an added attraction.