Statue of Christ stays until New Year do is over, says CM

MELAKA: The completed statue of Christ the Redeemer at the Portuguese Settlement will remain there until the New Year celebration is over, says Datuk Seri Idris Haron.

The decision to allow the statue to remain temporarily was also because the National Christmas celebration would be held in the state on Dec 26, the Chief Minister said.

“But the structure should be take down as agreed by the settlement leaders after the New Year celebration and relocated to a new site,” he said after the weekly exco meeting at Seri Negeri here.

The proposal to build the statue was submitted to Melaka Historic City Council in September but construction work began even before MBMB gave its approval.

Idris said an appeal by Melaka MCA chief Datuk Lim Ban Hong for the statue to remain temporarily was discussed and a decision was reached on Monday.

Idris also pointed out that Melaka MCA had brought up the issue during various meetings and had tabled the matter at the exco meeting.

“Opposition leaders gathered at the Portuguese Settlement today (yesterday) morning as if they had championed to ensure the structure was not demolished. They (Opposition) were riding on MCA’s hard work to gain popularity,” he said.

Idris said The Star had previously brought the issue to his attention.

“I had said the state government will find an amicable solution and the demolition of the statue was temporarily rescinded on Nov 6,” he said, adding that the matter was handled discretely and was successfully resolved.