BUTTERWORTH: The proposal to rename Jalan Pantai Bersih to Dragon Temple Lane has continue to spark opposition, as nearly 200 residents, representatives of non-governmental organisations and political party wings gathered peacefully to voice their objections today.
During the gathering, participants carried placards and banners calling for the original name to be retained.
They also expressed dissatisfaction with statements by Bagan member of parliament Lim Guan Eng, which they perceived as personal criticism.
A representative of the rally organiser, Azmi Jaafar, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow’s explanation on the matter had not changed the stance of the residents, who continue to question the rationale behind the proposal.
He said the area was inhabited predominantly by Malay Muslims, who made up about 85 per cent of the population.
He said any change to the name of the road could potentially disrupt harmony within the local community.
“If it involved a small lane, it may still be open for discussion. However, Jalan Pantai Bersih is a main road that has long been known by this name.
“This proposal appears to have caused unease among residents, and we want harmony to continue to be preserved,” he said when met after the gathering, which was also attended by Telok Air Tawar assemblyman Azmi Alang.
Azmi Alang said the issue would be brought up for debate at the Penang Legislative Assembly sitting in the near future.
“Jalan Pantai Bersih has long been part of this area’s identity. Why is this issue only being raised now?”
Previously, the proposal to rename the road drew attention after a Chinese-language newspaper reported Lim’s call for Jalan Pantai Bersih to be renamed Dragon Temple Lane.
Following that, several political party wings, including Umno Youth and Puteri Umno, as well as Penang PKR Youth, came forward to voice their opposition to the proposal.
Yesterday, the Penang government assured the public that the main Jalan Pantai Bersih would not be renamed, clarifying that a proposal under consideration only involved a short branch road sharing the same name.
State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari had said the clarification was necessary following public concerns that the well-known coastal road in Butterworth might be affected.
He had said what was being discussed was only a branch road, about 280m long, which also carried the name Jalan Pantai Bersih.
The proposal was submitted more than a year ago by Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Syn Tze and Persatuan Thean Hock Keong.
The branch road is located in front of the Thean Hock Keong temple and serves several premises, including a volunteer fire brigade, residential apartments, businesses and a food court.
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