Kuala Lumpur, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- The Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry has proposed that the Textile Museum, now under renovation, be renamed Datin Seri Endon Textile Museum, after the Prime Minister's wife, Datin Seri Endon Mahmood.

Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, said it was most befitting for the museum to be renamed after Datin Seri Endon, who died of cancer Thursday, as she had been committed in efforts to uplift and revive the national arts heritage, especially in the art of batik and songket textile.

Renovation of the museum, located in a building near the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, was expected to be completed by next year, he told reporters after opening the Malay traditional dishes preparation programme at the Jalan Duta Federal Territory Mosque here Friday.

Rais said the building had only been handed over by the Urban Development Authority (UDA) to the ministry.

Rais regretted that Endon could not visit the museum premises in November, this year but said his ministry would continue with the programme as scheduled.

Rais also said Endon's demise Thursday was deeply felt by the ministry because she was a strong supporter and patron of the national heritage.

"She was an important bridge to connect lives through heritage and her approaches using batik or songket shine on their own. Without her involvement, I'm worried that we cannot achieve the popularity that we had achieved thus far," he said.

In remembrance of her efforts in pushing the national arts and culture forward, Rais said his ministry planned to organise and promote "heritage programmes which were close to the late Datin Seri Endon's heart."

He said further information on the programmes would be announced later but the focus would be to remember her contribution in uplifting the image of batik and songket.

"My ministry will also cooperate with TV3 to implement the nostalgic programmes in remembrance of her contribution and services, he said.