The re-naming of major roads in the federal capital, Kuala Lumpur, has attracted many comments and remarks from Malaysians. Jalan Duta is now Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim, Batu Road has become Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and several other roads were similarly renamed.
I have no qualms about renaming the roads after Malay rulers and other leaders of the country. In Ipoh many streets and roads have their names changed. Anderson Road is now Jalan Raja Musa Aziz, Tiger Lane is Jalan Raja Azlan Shah, Brewster Road is Jalan Sultan Idris Shah, Hugh Low Street is Jalan Iskandar Shah, Jalan Hospital is Jalan Raja Asman Shah and others. It is done to respect and honour our great rulers and leaders.
Renaming important buildings too is justifiable. The General Hospital Ipoh is now Hospital Raja Perempuan Bainun. As such, it is therefore appropriate to rename KLIA 2 and Istana Negara.
Changing of road and street names is nothing new. It is a sign of change. History and heritage will not be affected as the old names will still appear below the new names. Let us take the name-change in a positive way rather than make a mountain out of it.
K. Letchumanan
