
Memories of the past pervade many in my generation frequently. Life itself has undergone a complete transformation since the 1960s, when I was growing up in one of Kuala Lumpur’s well-known suburbs, Cochrane Road.
Then a green belt, Cochrane Road was named after Charles Walter Hamilton Cochrane, who served as British Resident of Perak and later, chief secretary of the government of the Federated Malay States from 1930 till his death in 1932.
Imbued with a sense of nostalgia and wanting to rekindle memories, I took the light rail transit from Bangsar to Pasar Seni, and then changed over to the mass rapid transit. Four stops later, I disembarked at Cochrane station.
Walking towards the Shelly Road exit, I was glad to see two familiar landmarks right in front of me: True Jesus Church and the St John’s Ambulance building. I was delighted to see both places remaining at the same spots as before: they had withstood the rapid pace of development around the Cochrane area.
Taking a right turn and strolling a few hundred metres, I spotted Queen’s Hotel at the intersection of Shelly Road and Peel Road. The place may be the same, but the retail outlets have changed owners.
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Turning left, I ambled along Peel Road and passed another familiar sight: the Sacred Heart Church – a Catholic church which caters to the spiritual needs of the faithful in the Cochrane and Cheras areas. I noticed a new building next to the church, which serves as a space for other church activities, besides masses.
A few hundred metres later, I reached the Cheras Police station and once again turned left. Wandering along this road, I felt deeply disturbed to see another school at the same spot where my alma mater, La Salle Peel Road, once stood. How they could destroy a part of the history of a La Salle school in Kuala Lumpur was beyond my comprehension. Mission schools like La Salle Peel Road have assumed a pivotal role in providing quality education to Malaysians of all races and religions.
I continued my jaunt along Cochrane Road, which is beyond recognition today compared to the 1960s.

No more government quarters – in their place, shopping complexes have sprouted.
Back then, the Cochrane area was an enclave of government quarters, where civil servants lived. We were a close-knit community with simple lifestyles who looked out for one another. Materialism did not define our relationships; kindness, compassion, humanity and sincerity did – rare virtues in society these days. In some residential areas today, neighbours don’t even know their neighbours, let alone acknowledge them.
In those days, many huge rain trees graced Cochrane and its vicinity, nestled in greenery.
Children of all races used to play football, hockey and sepak takraw together in the padang (fields). They would also fly kites, spin tops, play marbles and even catch spiders. Many of these hobbies might be alien to children these days.
Hawkers plied their trade, selling a variety of foodstuffs; the milkman promptly delivered fresh milk daily; and school security guards constantly looked out for our safety.
Upon reaching the intersection of Cochrane Road and the former Circular Road (now Jalan Pekeliling), I turned left and strolled past another landmark, which is still around: a noted Buddhist temple, Wat Buddha Jayanti.

I vividly remember this temple being gaily decorated, especially during the Wesak celebrations, and I used to watch in admiration the splendour of this festival.
As I turned into Peel Road, I passed by another historical site: Convent Peel Road. I could not help noticing a meaningful slogan inscribed: “Reach Higher, See Further and Shine Brighter”. Spontaneously, I thought this should be the slogan for our politicians today.

What a whale of a time we had then, and how much fun we had when we were growing up in the 60s. I don’t think children these days have as much merriment as we had then. Sadly, this carefree era has been lost in history. If I had a magic wand, I would turn the clock back to the 60s!
The Cochrane residential areas were then truly an epitome of ‘1Malaysia’: Malaysians of all ethnic groups and religions lived there in peace and harmony, respecting each other’s cultures and religions. There was no need for any sloganeering in the 60s, as race and religion were never an issue.
Each time I reflect on the 60s, I feel deeply dismayed, especially when I see the racial polarisation prevailing at all levels in our country today. Regrettably, there is no sign of any action taken to reverse this trend among the younger generation so that we can relive the glorious era of the 60s.
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Hi, MY name is Olga. I lived in Peel Place since 1940 till 1953. Cochrane Road had Gov, Quarters on one side and farms on the other. A new residential area was beginning to develop between Cochrane Road and Circular Road. I attended the Peel road Convent till 1952.
Yes Peel Road, Peel Square Cochrane Road and Shelley road , were places I used to roam with my siblings.
Sadly , in 2020 January when I visited the area I realized that the whole of Peel Place and its surroundings was condoned off for development.
It was a beautiful place to grow up in when I was a growing child.
Sad to see it gone. Yes the children and their families then played freely without any cultural difference , It was a melting pot of different races and cultures.
Greetings Benedict,lovely memory lane article,brought tears of joy,I grew up at cheong yoke choy, attended Sacred Heart Church n schooled from Joy Nursery,La Salle peel road Standard 1 to Form 3,after results went to St, Gabriel…..I agree with what you have written,back than,all the mixed people live in peace, everyone knows each child n parents. These memories will stick on till our last breath. Thank you Benedict for this beautiful article and God bless:)
Warm regards
Glad you feel as sentimental as I do. What a great place Cochrane Road was with all the government quarters and people of all races and religions living in peace and harmony. We were 1Malaysia then unlike today. There was no need for sloganeering then as imbued in our DNA.
Today have three blocks of civil servant’s residence complex along Cochrane Road. MACC KL office also situated here to uphold the integrity of civil servant.
It’s a little more than thirty years since my family and I left the area. Having been born and grown up there for more than twenty years, I knew every nook and corner of the government quarters enclave. From Peel Road, at one end, to Cochrane Road and further to Jalan Nakhoda Yusof and beyond to Jalan Jarrett. From Jalan Permaisuri, at the other end, to Circular Road. The area had many roads named after British officials. Along with Peel, Cochrane and Shelly, there was also McConechy, Nicholas. There was also our own set of roads names like Shahbandar, Mentri, Laxamana, Bendahara and others I cannot recall. Those were the days indeed!
Muthu. I stayed in Lorong Cochrane near JNY and JJ. Remember the playing fields, kite fighting, plating tops, marbles, catching spiders ……..Really great times we had there.
Well documented …I was born in Peel Road and share your memories with fondness….the spirit of the area in all its dimensions was truly amazing …..
Ray. All of us who who stayed there feel nostalgic about Cochrane Road.
Hi, I am Charles and I created the La Salle Peel Road Old Boy’s Alumni [LSPROBA] and I’m the de facto president of the group chat . I would be happy if Benedict could contact me through Facebook and join our Alma Mater’s Facebook page.
https://m.facebook.com/groups/LSPROBA/permalink/10151435838559960/
Regards
Charles Thomas
Hi Charles
Benedict’s article brought fond memories. I felt as if I was walking those roads and lanes with him. Please advise how I can join your ex L S Peel Rd school group
This is the link. We have almost 400 members from all over the world starting from the late 50s when LSPR started. I am also with the LA Salle Federation
https://m.facebook.com/groups/LSPROBA/permalink/10151435838559960/
I am not on Facebook Charles, but please do keep me posted via email.
Benedict Lopez, its been decades since we met. Please contact via the email that I registered for this comment.
Mahendran (ex-LSPR 1963-1971)
I responded to you Mahendran via email. Should catch up ASAP.
Hi Mahendran. I am Martin I was in form 1 and u were in form 3 my asst head prefect.
I share your memories. Nice work – ex Cochranean
No more residential areas like Cochrane any more. Sad indeed.
Hi again Benedict…. This is the link to La Salle Peel Road Alumni page on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LSPROBA/?ref=share
There are lots of things we can reminisce about our life there .
Cheers
Charles
Thanks Charles but unfortunately I am not on Facebook. But please email me all the articles uploaded.
Hi, Benedict Lopez, thank you so much in highlighting about Cochrane area & describing the other areas of the vicinity. Memories living in Cochrane area is really unforgettable as enjoyed playing in the small field. I do hope you remember me, Mohan your neighbour & Janar (my brother), Garbet & Wilson & Surender Singh & many more. Hope we shall keep in touch. How are your brothers…. Keep in touch