Provide an example of a forward capital relocation other than Brasília and explain the rationale.

• A. Brasília in Brazil.
• B. Washington, D.C.
• C. Putrajaya in Malaysia, relocated to reduce congestion in Kuala Lumpur and to symbolize a new administrative capital.
• D. Naypyidaw in Myanmar.

Answer: (C)

Forward capital relocation means moving the administrative heart of a country to a newly built city to manage growth, reduce congestion, decentralize governance, or symbolize a new phase of development. Putrajaya in Malaysia is a clear example. It was purpose-built as the federal administrative center near Kuala Lumpur, with the aim of easing congestion in the old capital by relocating ministries and government functions there, and to symbolize a fresh era of governance and modernization. Brasília is another famous case, but the prompt asks for an example beyond Brasília. Washington, D.C. is the established capital, not a relocation, and Naypyidaw in Myanmar is another forward capital, but the rationale given here matches Malaysia’s case—relocating to a planned city to relieve congestion and symbolize a new administrative center.