LIMA AND MISS PANTAI CENANG
The event has grown so big that it is now accepted as one of the premier events on the world stage
LOOKS like I have to give this year’s airshow in Langkawi a miss. What was planned to be an exhibition of small aircraft much like OshKosh in the United States, has grown so big that missing it can be quite painful.
Looking back at the first airshow in 1991, I would say the event caught everyone’s attention. Langkawi never had so much excitement until then. It then dawned upon the island people that their lives were about to change forever.
There were two decisions made for the people of Langkawi that triggered this change. First, there was the duty-free status in 1987. This led to hordes of tourists from the mainland crossing over to Mahsuri’s island in search of chocolates, imported tableware and cheaper cigarettes. Of course, there were foreigners too.
Then came the Langkawi International Aerospace and Maritime Exhibition in 1991. Langkawi has not looked back ever since. What was envisaged as an airshow staged by small aircraft later grew to become a huge commercial exhibition.
Lima recorded sales and contracts worth billions. Arguably, it became the single most important catalyst for growth for Langkawi. For the first time, the people of Langkawi saw their future brighter than ever before.
Two “Mahathirs” featured in the first Lima in 1991 — Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the late Datuk Mahadzir Lokman. Dr Mahathir was the prime minister who created Lima while Mahadzir was the public commentator when the aeroplanes took to the sky for their show.
The first year saw world famous aviator Dick Rutan demonstrating his flying skills in his small aeroplane, mesmerising
the crowd which stood in the hot sun taking every thrust, twist and turn of the showman’s flight. As some people may know, Rutan flew the Voyager around the world on a single tank of fuel.
Rutan brought along his public commentator to explain his flight routines and stunts. Local boy Mahadzir was tasked with giving the same, but in Bahasa Malaysia. I stood next to him in the blistering heat on the tarmac as he gave his version of the flight demonstration. It was becoming apparent that Rutan’s commentator was good, more experienced and a bit of a show-off. “Mat Saleh ni ingat dia seorang aje yg boleh komen. Aku pun boleh lah,” Mahadzir (also fondly called Dell) proudly announced!
There were about 40 aircraft on display in 1991. On the maritime side, there were quite a number of boats as boat-makers tried to find buyers. Little did the islanders know there were plans for recreational boats, freighters, leisure yachts and submarines to also make their appearance in Langkawi in later years.
Several side events were also staged during Lima. The organisers took the opportunity to showcase the country’s tourism attractions and destinations. There were not enough hotels then. Some exhibitors slept in their ships while many youths camped on the beachfront, having campfires and downing cheap beer.
It was at Lima, too, that this newspaper took Datuk Azhar Mansor under its wing and helped him realise his dream of sailing solo around the world. As in Lima, Azhar’s effort amplified the “Malaysia Boleh” call that resonated around the country then.
One side event that caught my attention was a beauty pageant called Miss Pantai Cenang! It was held on the beach of the same name using a makeshift wooden stage on stilts with a zinc roof. But the turnout was large and the wolf whistles gave the event very colourful and memorable moments.
If we go back earlier, the idea for an airshow came when Dr Mahathir attended one of the Oshkosh events in the United States; he threw the idea to locals when he came back to Malaysia. The Manan Brothers — Datuk Radzi Manan and Yusof Manan — took up the challenge and staged the first Lima under the company, Le Proton Lima Sdn Bhd.
The early days of Lima were a steep learning curve for everyone, including food retailers and other service providers on the island. Today, Langkawi is better prepared to host Lima and other international events.
On the world stage. Lima is now accepted as one of the premier events in this part of the world. The Manan brothers have exited the scene and Lima is now a government-sponsored show. Perhaps, it’s time to revert and pass the show to local entrepreneurs.
Today, Langkawi is better prepared to host Lima and other international events.