This is a comment on âSE Asiaâs tallest tower to rise in KLâ (The Jakarta Post Online, Aug
his is a comment on 'SE Asia's tallest tower to rise in KL' (The Jakarta Post Online, Aug. 19), taken from the ANN.
We have to recognize that cultural heritage and social development are often two of the most complex issues to tackle.
I would like to congratulate Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) president and group chief executive Hamad Kama Piah bin Che Othman for providing a very easy and simple explanation for the public about why the tower needs to be built on the top of the hill in a historical national heritage area, which will eventually have to be leveled to make way for underground car parks.
But I wonder what the PNB president's opinion about public space is?
Personally, I think a public space is a space that encourages social interaction. That is the most basic of all explanations that I can come up with. It is an inspiring place because, whether you are a local or a tourist, people can sit under the shade of trees to read books, sing, enjoy the sunshine, have a picnic, draw or sketch the beautiful scenery or whatever else.
Throughout my journey getting to know tourists visiting KL, most of them complained that KL has no town planning. Initially, when I heard what they said, I would cringe. But I had to smile, as they were speaking of the truth.
Malaysia is like the human body. Imagine vehicles that run through unmaintained roads are like blood flowing in a clogged vein; people are desperate in such a way that they commit crimes because the body has not produced enough antibodies to combat the main source of sickness, which is spreading worse than cancer, called corruption.
With a heavy heart I would urge the government and anybody who reads this to consider that 'a healthy body has a healthy mind'. People are stressed out due to massive workloads. People need space, public space.
Yeo Kien Kiong
Kuala Lumpur
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