As time goes by...

Tan Sri Elyas Omar was the Kuala Lumpur Datuk Bandar when Wisma Bernama was built in 1983. The 16-storey building, costing RM23 million, was a recognisable landmark at that time.
It was the only 'tall' structure in that part of Jalan Tun Razak then. 

Operations started on 29 April 1984 after the Bernama headquarters moved to the building from its rented premise at Bangunan MCOBA in Jalan Syed Putra.

Long after leaving office, Tan Sri Elyas -- a much-sought after news figure then, dropped by at Wisma Bernama this morning to meet Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Azman Ujang, who has known him for years.

"He's a good friend of Bernama all these years including after post-retirement period," said Datuk Seri Azman who appreciated Tan Sri Elyas approach for continuing to be in contact with Bernama.

During their conversation, which was also attended by General Manager Datuk Zulkefli Salleh and several senior editors, Tan Sri Elyas expressed his admiration of the progress made by Bernama.

A  visible landmark then

He mentioned that Bernama has made much headway and noted that it now has television and radio to disseminate news and information. 
He recalled giving interviews to Bernama and in a light-hearted manner said some were not reported.   Much as progress had taken place in Bernama, the management had to deal with challenges that came along with it.

Parking became a major concern with more staff driving to work and visitors coming to Wisma Bernama, now sandwiched between the National Library building and a high-rise condominium under construction.

Some years back, Bernama had applied to build a multi-storey car park on the open space opposite Wisma Bernama but was rejected as the land was designated for river reserve.
The area has served as parking space which the management further expanded recently to provide more parking lots.  
At one time, the once open space "next-door" was made into a parking area but has now become a memory as construction took place to build the condominium. 

As an alternative to overcome the problem, the management had requested Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) not to take action on cars parked along the road leading to Wisma Bernama.
This seemed to work until two days ago when DBKL enforcement personnel issued summons on cars parked along both sides of the road from the junction of Jalan Tun Razak to the arch outside Wisma Bernama.