Preserve the soul of the country

I FELT the urge to extend the grief and concern conveyed by the writer of the letter “Heritage buildings in need of care” (The Star, Jan 26).

Needless to say, it is both sad and worrying to see how the country is advancing towards outstanding development at the cost of forsaking, or worse, demolishing heritage and historical buildings.

I believe most, if not all, Malaysians were deeply affected by the decision to demolish the Ampang Park shopping centre. Being the country’s first mall, the building is inarguably more than just a shopping complex; therein lie huge sentiments that contribute to the history of Malaysia and its milestones.

We’ve already lost Pudu Prison, a significant building that bears great historical value. Retaining it would have meant preserving the country’s heritage.

Malaysia’s first airport, Lapangan Terbang Sungai Besi, will soon face the same fate as Pudu Prison and Ampang Park to make way for yet another prestigious development. That’s three down, and a scary unknown number more to go.

I am not antidevelopment. I just believe it must be done without putting our heritage at stake.

I wonder what’s going to be left for the later generation. Will they ever be able to acknowledge these historical monuments? Can they really observe and appreciate the significant heritage value behind these buildings now that they are out of sight and out of touch? What kind of authenticity will be left for them to hold on to when it comes to their identity as a nation?

Sure, Malaysia will reach the stars when it comes to being a developed country. But with these heritage sites slowly being effaced, we will soon become just a land with no concrete identity. There will be impressive business and commercial hubs everywhere but there will be fewer buildings with the sentimental environment that makes us feel at home.

This is yet another typical but critical reminder: heritage is important and must be preserved.

YASMIN RIDZUAN Ampang, Selangor