Celebrate the founding of Kuala Lumpur

IT’S the month of August again and of course, National Day and Malaysia Day are around the corner. But I wonder if anyone in Kuala Lumpur noticed that, for KLites at least, the year 2017 not only represents the 60th year of independence since 1957, but also the 160th year since the founding of this city.

We are almost two-thirds of the way into 2017 yet nothing meaningful seems to have happened to mark this momentous year, other than the usual Federal Territories Day, which strictly speaking, is not exclusively about Kuala Lumpur. It is time us city folk (no matter born-and-bred or migrated) take a pause and reflect: What’s our identity? What is the city all about, other than a few “iconic” building-monuments?

In other words, it is time for “Brand KL” that reflects the authentic character, spirit and hopes of its residents.

This may sound like a cliche but I certainly don’t mean a top-down process, and indeed the last thing we need is a foreign consultant descending upon our shores and announcing who we are supposed to be.

No. But instead, it should be a people’s project by locals for locals. And it should be inclusive, harnessing voices from the ground up and from a fair cross-section. That means questionnaires on the streets, interactions at the malls and markets, and numerous mini “people’s lab” sessions across the city.

If all this sounds like an expensive venture, it need not necessarily be so. I am sure there will be many who would be happy to volunteer for their home city, and corporate citizens who are willing to sponsor one way or another and, dare I hope, DBKL and relevant authorities’ support.

After all, the process itself is a positive way to connect the people and raise awareness for a better sense of belonging and spirit of citizenry. There are about four months left to go before the end of the year. It would certainly be unfortunate should we let this meaningful window of opportunity pass us by.

Kian H. Ong