FT Minister Questions Own Ministry: Jalan Palestin Should Replace Other Road Names, Not Raja Laut 1
The minister asked why the name change was not implemented on roads with English names.
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Yesterday, it was announced by DBKL that Jalan Raja Laut 1 has been changed to Jalan Palestin.
Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan notes that the idea for the name change came from the World Quds Day peaceful assembly held at the Kuala Lumpur City Hall Square on May 26 to 31 last year.
The move symbolises Malaysia’s support for the Palestinian people’s struggle against oppression, and was requested by the Federal Territories Ministry to name one road in the city as Jalan Palestin.
When the new name was revealed, however, many were taken by surprise. It caused a bit of a buzz as many balked at the decision, stating that Jalan Raja Laut has historical ties.
(Credit: Twitter/Azrul Mohd Khalib)
Even Federal Territories Minister Annuar Musa himself seemed to be surprised at the reveal, asking why a road named after a historical Malay figure was chosen to be replaced instead of a road with an English name.
Saya tiada halangan nak makan jln Di KL Jalan Palestine,tanda sokongan KL kpd perjuangan pembebasan AL QUDS.Namun sy maukan penjelasan kenapa pilih tukar nama JLN RAJA LAUT,nama besar Sejarah Melayu Dan KL.Kenapa tak tukar nama Inggeris spt JLN STONOR,JLN CONLAY,COCHRANE ROAD DLL https://t.co/8obBy4COcM
— Annuar Musa (@AnnuarMusa) September 27, 2020
However, Malaysians can relax and put down their pitchforks. Jalan Raja Laut as we know it will still be called Jalan Raja Laut.
The road getting a name change is Jalan Raja Laut 1, a small side road off the main road next to the KWSP building. Majority of the public are unaware of the name of this road that links Jalan Raja Laut and Lorong Gombak, and even Google Maps names the road as Jalan Bunus.
(Credit: Google Maps)
In DBKL’s official statement, they even cautiously ended their announcement with a reminder that the name change will only affect this small road, not the main Jalan Raja Laut.
Guess DBKL knows Malaysians pretty well!
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