(see Malaysiakini.com 4/5/2010) I was surprised and annoyed when I saw the 8pm news broadcast on NTV7 last Friday during which a group of people were shown protesting against the re-naming of Jalan Barat in Petaling Jaya to Jalan V David.
The re-naming of roads is not something new as it has been going on for years since independence where the government has been re-naming many roads, particularly those with colonial names.
These have been replaced with the names of prominent Malaysians to honour them for their contributions to society.
Dr V David was one such person who was a well-known veteran politician who had done much for the cause of workers, particularly the transport workers. He was largely responsible for setting-up the Transport Workers Union (located in their own building in Jalan Barat) of which he was the general- secretary for a long time.
The Selangor government’s action in re-naming Jalan Barat as Jalan V David is a fitting choice to honour this well-known personality more so since the Transport Workers Union building is located along that road.
After all, Jalan Barat is not named after anybody and re-naming it Jalan V David would not be an obnoxious act for some people to make a big hue and cry about.
Even though the Selangor government’s action deserves praise, there are always some people who are out to criticise or condemn such an action.
However, to the Selangor government, I would say syabas as you have done a virtuous act to honour a fellow Malaysian whose contributions to society have remained unrecognised hitherto.
The writer is president, Malaysian Indian Business Association (Miba).
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