Wan Fayhsal proposes renaming Malaysia's giant flower, Rafflesia

KUALA LUMPUR: An opposition lawmaker has proposed renaming Malaysia’s largest flower, the Rafflesia, in conjunction with the nation’s 68th National Day and to break free from the legacy of coloniser Stamford Raffles.

Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad (PN-Machang) raised the proposal to Acting Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani in the Dewan Rakyat, urging him to bring the matter to the Cabinet.

“In conjunction with Malaysia’s 68th National Day, and in the spirit of Tambun (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) who urges us to view our history beyond the colonial framework, could the minister use his powers under NRES to rename Malaysia’s largest flower, the Rafflesia?

“The name was taken from Stamford Raffles, our coloniser, a man without morals or ethics. Yet, we gave such a beautiful name to our national flower.

“Perhaps the minister could propose to the Cabinet to find a more suitable name. Even naming it after Anwar Ibrahim would be fine, no problem, as long as it is better,” he said while interjecting Johari’s winding-up speech in Parliament today.

Wan Ahmad Fayhsal added that it was not right for Malaysia to remain under Raffles’s shadow after 68 years of independence.

Johari responded by saying he would take note of the suggestion.

“I take note. If you have any name suggestions, please put them forward,” he said in jest.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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