Rais rues use of 'disgusting' English names over Malay for local places

Senate president Rais Yatim has taken a swipe at local authorities that adopted the widespread practice of choosing English names over names in Bahasa Melayu for various locations.

Rais, a well-known advocate for the Malay language, said people should not be too excited with using English names, describing the increasingly common practice as "disgusting".

"I have given my opinions since 12 years ago. At that time we had Ukay Heights, Ainsdale, Ampang Waterfront and many others that I find disgusting," said Rais in an interview with Utusan Malaysia.

The Malay-daily quoted Rais as saying the practice has portrayed an obsession with English-styled names, likening it to the Chinese who adopted "European names like Michael, James or George" over their Chinese names.

"I would like to call upon all parties including the local authorities to change that attitude," said the veteran politician, reportedly in response to Padang Rengas MP Nazri Abdul Aziz's recent remarks in Parliament that Kuala Lumpur has "lost its identity" as more new buildings and residences took on English names.

Among others, Nazri cited names including Hampshire Residences and Bangsar South, the latter an integrated property development project renamed from Kampung Kerinchi.

Further, there are also various retail outlets around Kuala Lumpur that adopted Western names, including Pavilion KL, Quill City and MyTown.

Instead of adopting Western names, Rais, a former information, communications and culture minister, said efforts should be made to look at local alternatives from a wide range of flowers, trees, mountains and acclaimed individuals.

"The Heritage Department must not sleep on their job while Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka should rise to assist.

"The Education Ministry should also teach our children to love our artefacts and heritage," he said.

At the same time, Rais said there was no need to change any existing names, but rather the government should heed his advice for future considerations. - Mkini