Yet another historic icon to be wiped out - for 'development'

LETTER | The Gabungan Pelindung Warisan Taiping (GPWT) is mobilising a public protest in Taiping on June 14.

It is yet another case of wiping out history in the name of development.

This time it is about taking over the historic Taiping Aerodrome for privatised development.

Despite being classified and given international recognition as 'Bandar Warisan', the authorities do not seem to care much as they keep robbing and destroying iconic locales for greed-driven commercial development.

Don't we have any appreciation for history and posterity?

Imagine the country's first aerodrome, built by the British in 1929, can be just sold off, all 40 acres, to a private developer.

Not only do the authorities don't seem to cherish and value such historic sites but even developers are not committed to the nation's history and legacy.

Money. Money seems to be the sole motivator.

Why do we keep repeating these raping, destroying and erasing of our rich legacy all in the name of development?

When nations around the world are doing much to identify and preserve historic and iconic locations and history at all cost, we in Malaysia have zero qualms as we sell precious history away for a few silvers.

Indeed it is very sad that each time we discover such steal-by-night transactions, the ordinary citizens have to sacrifice their time and money to fight to save the country's heritage.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.