By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Oct 3: India Street Pedestrian Mall Committee chairman Dato Wee Hong Seng will raise the issue of “the removal of Chinese street names” in a meeting between Kuching North City Hall (DBKU), Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) tomorrow (Oct 4).
Wee was responding to queries raised by netizens during the livestream of his work visit to India Street and Kai Joo Lane this morning.
He acknowledged that the Chinese language versions of street names have been omitted from road signs in the area surrounding India Street and Kai Joo Lane, which is under DBKU’s jurisdiction.
“We will discuss and deliberate on it. As long as we don’t politicise it, there shall be no issue,” said Wee during the livestream after his walkabout today.
He held the stand that for any street with a long history, the Chinese language version of street names should be maintained.
“But it must be through deliberation and discussion, and I don’t want to jump to any conclusion.
“For road signs under MBKS, we will include the Chinese street names, that I can decide.
“MBKS, DBKU and MPP hold meetings three times a year. Tomorrow, we will have our third meeting of the year. We will discuss how to solve this issue. Each council authority has its own administrative rules and ordinances, and different ways of doing things.
“I myself believe in giving leeway especially when history is concerned. To maintain the existing harmony and unity that we have been enjoying all this while, we shall all sit down and discuss.
“Let us all work together to maintain our harmony and make this place (India Street and Kai Joo Lane) a nice place. Don’t give outsiders the opportunity to attack us. Let us work together to solve the issue and maintain the harmonious way of life and a better future,” said Wee who is also MBKS mayor.
Wee as the India Street Pedestrian Mall Committee chairman had various issues at the said mall faced by local community leaders and committee members brought to his attention.
After checking on the roof over India Street Pedestrian Mall which is leaking, he said repair work will start next year and every year, there will be three cleanings as part of maintenance efforts.
On the flash flood at India Street Pedestrian Mall yesterday, Wee explained that it was due to heavy rainfall.
“The rainwater gushed down from that way (Padang Merdeka). The (drainage) project at Padang Merdeka will be completed in November, where runoff will be directed to Sarawak River.
“We wait for the project to be completed first, and see if the flash flood situation persists. Then we will decide what to do,” said Wee.
On the broken pavement tiles on Kai Joo Lane, Wee called on owners of heavy vehicles not to drive on the road, and that courtesy in protecting public property be maintained.
As a boy who grew up on India Street, Wee is all for making India Street and its surrounding areas including Kai Joo Lane a better place.
“We fought for it (the roof over the pedestrian mall). India Street is our home. Wherever we go, finally, we will return here.
“This has been our home for a century. For the place to grow into what it is and the fact that after two years of Covid-19, we are still standing, (we) consider ourselves lucky.
“Now we need to work hard to revive the economy. I hope the (pedestrian mall) committee will come together to plan for next year, to see what can be done to revive business and make it into the most vibrant and happening place in Sarawak.
“The hundred years of history of this place is not to be cast aside. Let us work together to bring vibrancy back to India Street so that we may receive more tourists,” said Wee. — DayakDaily
