Don’t turn Malaysia’s modern day national icon Merdeka 118 into a “corporate billboard”

 

MAYBANK is a great Malaysian institution. The largest bank in Malaysia recently moved to Merdeka 118 as its new headquarters. And following this, the building was re-named Menara Merdeka Maybank.

This decision probably requires a second look. Merdeka 118 is not just another office tower. It is the second-tallest building in the world and the tallest in Southeast Asia. It is now among the top few icons people around the world associate with Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia.

More importantly, its name and design carry a clear national meaning. “Merdeka” speaks of our independence.

The building’s architecture was inspired by Tunku Abdul Rahman’s raised hand when he proclaimed “Merdeka” in 1957. It stands near Stadium Merdeka where independence was declared.

This is why Malaysia should not let one of its most important national symbols become tied to the corporate identity of any private company, however large or successful it may be.

Maybank’s name may be a source of pride today but companies and reputation can change over time. A national landmark should have a name that outlives commercial arrangements.

What if one day, Maybank is associated with financial mismanagement or wrongdoings? Take the AIG Tower in Hong Kong, for example.

It was renamed AIA Central in 2009 after the insurance giant’s financial crisis, bailout and restructuring. It is a reminder that even major financial institutions can face unforeseen turns, while national landmarks must endure.

“Merdeka 118” was already a strong and memorable name. Adding “Maybank” weakens the powerful identity that the name Merdeka carries.

Some may compare this with the PETRONAS Twin Towers. But PETRONAS is different. It is a fully state-owned national oil and gas corporation, established under the Petroleum Development Act 1974 and entrusted with managing Malaysia’s petroleum resources.

Its name is closely tied to the Malaysian state and national development.

Maybank – while being respected as a Malaysian entity – is only a publicly listed commercial company.

Its major shareholder may be state-owned Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) which also developed Merdeka 118 but that, too, can change over time.

Let Maybank occupy the tower, thrive in it and be proud of it. But let this iconic building remain Merdeka 118. 

Johan Abu Bakar is a reader of Focus Malaysia.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.

-  Focus Malaysia.