Clock controversy: Citizens demand explanation

A group of concerned citizens here are demanding transparency from the state government over plans for the proposed 16-storey mixed-commercial development neighbouring the historic century-old Atkinson Clock Tower.

Heritage Sabah, an advocacy group, wants the state government to explain why development plans are being made in a furtive manner without consultation with the public.

"Decisions need public participation. Hold a public forum to get opinions. The public was not involved in the planning stage. All this while, decisions were made behind closed doors," said founder member, architect Nelson Sokial.

He was commenting on a disclosure that state agency and city officials had approved the project which would affect the historical building and its surroundings.

Sokial said the developers should explain how the new building would enhance the 100-year-old tower, as stated by the landowners Sabah Housing and Town Development Authority (SHTDA).

He said the developer should also justify the design of the building to the people and get their feedback on whether it would complement the clock tower.

"The developer must allow the people to have their say on the construction via a forum.

"We also want to see site studies done by consultants at the clock tower prior to the approval of the project. What are the potentials of this heritage site, and how have they been identified," Sokial said in a statement yesterday.

He said Heritage Sabah, an ad hoc group, wants to know how the approved design complements the 105-year-old landmark, as claimed by proponents of the project through statements in the media over the past week.

Strict conditions

Sokial expressed his doubts over whether the proposed complex would "conserve history and whether the approved design could integrate history with a commercial complex”.

"Heritage Sabah stands by its belief that the 16-storey structure built so close to the clock tower (6.3 metres away) will destroy its heritage value," he said.

In addition, the group wants Kota Kinabalu City Hall Mayor Illiyas Ibrahim to explain in detail the "35 strict conditions" that he said the developer would have to comply with in order for the project to be approved.

Illiyas said this in a statement to the press earlier this week but did not specify the “strict conditions”.

Sokial said over the last two weeks, Heritage Sabah had collected more than 1,500 signatures through an online campaign from people who do not want to see a shopping centre next to the tower.

"The people are keeping a close watch on the developments because they want to see how sincere the Sabah government is in listening to their concerns over the direction of urban development in the city.

"The Atkinson Clock Tower will be a test on whether local authorities are exercising transparency in terms of approval of commercial projects," he said.

The group also believes there are many other heritage sites that lack protection and wants to focus on them to avoid a repeat of the clock tower controversy.

Sokial said the group hopes to assist the government in its heritage conservation policies.

courtesy of FMT