No racial undertones in move to rename Penang roads, says exco

 Zairil Khir Johari tells netizens not to politicise the move to rename six roads in Penang, or to link it to race.

Penang infrastructure, transport and digital committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the renaming exercise was meant to honour respected figures who had contributed extensively to the state and the nation. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 The Penang government says racial considerations played no part in a recent exercise to rename six roads in the state.

State infrastructure, transport and digital committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the renaming exercise was meant to honour respected figures who had contributed extensively to Penang and Malaysia.

Zairil said the issue should be approached in a rational manner and cautioned netizens against politicising the move or linking it to racial sentiments.

“All individuals selected were chosen based on merit and their contributions to society and the state’s development,” he said, reported Sinar Harian.

“We should appreciate their services and sacrifices… They are indeed deserving of such recognition.

“The racial sentiments being played up on social media are unhealthy and do not reflect the spirit of unity that we uphold.”

Among the roads renamed are Persiaran Chin Fung Kee (formerly Persiaran Pantai Sinaran), Jalan Sheikh Ibrahim (part of Jalan Tanjong Tokong Lama), Jalan Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (Bandar Cassia Highway), Jalan SA Abdullah Bukhari (part of Jalan Ayer Itam), Solok Dato Ismail Hashim (part of Jalan Tengah), and Jalan M Kuppan (formerly Jalan Jiran 1).

Persiaran Pantai Sinaran in Gelugor was renamed Persiaran Chin Fung Kee following a request by the Institution of Engineers to honour the late engineer who played a key role in major infrastructure projects such as the Penang Bridge.

Zairil said the road’s location near the bridge was symbolic of Chin’s contributions as one of the senior engineers involved in its construction. - FMT