“[State Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts] Abdul Karim is expecting brickbats over the construction of the new Astana building, particularly from the Opposition since they have continuously voiced their public disapproval over the tallest flagpole project.”
TIL the Astana is still serving its original official purpose.
Also TIL The Istana in Singapore is serving a similar purpose as the president’s official residence, and was completed a year (or less) before The Astana began construction.
Seems more reasonable than building a flagpole, but we don’t know their budget on the new Astana yet.