Media Statement
Rescind and Restore Khoo's Honour
It was an asinine decision to replace the name of a national hero who had laid down his life for his country. It was an insensitive and unthinking decision which mocks the decision-makers and makes a mockery of honour and patriotism.
It was in recognition of his loyalty to country and duty that Tan Sri Chong Kong was honoured by a grateful state for his services and sacrifices in combating the communist terrorists. What would have been a better tribute to the late Perak Police Chief than to perpetuate his memory by naming the road leading to the state police headquarters. This tribute was meant to be part of our history in living memory and inspire others to emulate this gallant example of service to country and duty.
The 24 councillors who decided to revoke Khoo's name and replace it with another name - which has no significance whatsoever - have shown no sense of history or displayed any notion of gratitude. By their thoughtless action they have sullied Khoo's name and slurred his honour and brought anguish to his family.
They have callously ignored the fact that the nation's peace and prosperity enjoyed today is largely due to gallant people like Khoo and others in the public force and the army who had sacrificed their lives in the true spirit of dedication and patriotism.
This insult to Khoo's memory honouring his valour and bravery, cannot be obviated by merely stating that the City Council's road-naming committee "felt it was proper and suited current times" to rename the road.
Aliran would like to ask this road-naming committee whether it would condone or tolerate a decision by some road-naming committee to rename roads like Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Tun Sambanthan and Jalan Tun H S Lee, in keeping with "the current times"? It is unthinkable. No one should even comtemplate an idiotic idea like that!
It is only fitting that this asinine decision be rescinded and the name of Khoo be restored to its rightful place and left there in perpeturity.
All road-naming committees must heed and be guided by this simple advice: Before you pull down the fence, find out why it was put up in the first place.
P Ramakrishnan
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