The eight-pointed star became the ground plan and Pelli piled one on top of the other, reaching for the sky. The result is a unique architectural achievement and he fully recognises that the artistic vision of this national monument is a personal construct. The pure size and power of the structure, however, would indicate that some form of culture accommodation is inevitable. This is perhaps precisely the point. The primary function of the building is not to house the national oil company.
Functionality is a secondary consideration.
This building is a political statement about the future direction of the Malaysian nation. The project was the brainchild of Prime Minister Mahathir himself. He wanted a monument in the heart of the capital that would symbolise the country's modernisation and rising international profile. He was actively engaged in all stages of the design process and the final scheme is well marked by his personal fingerprints. It shows the direction in which he wishes his country to travel.