KOTA KINABALU: The state government respects the sites that are deemed to have historical values in Sabah.
Assistant Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Edward Yong said this after taking part in the 100,000 Steps Towards Health program at Perdana Park here yesterday.
“The people need not worry about the fate of the five sites here,” he said.
The sites concerned are City Hall Building, High Court Building, the health clinic, and State Library Building and an open space which now functions as a park for city dwellers and patrons alike.
He added that the state government had already proven again and again that it listened to the people when it came to its decision.
“As an example, we can look at the Atkinson Tower. The development that was proposed on that site was scrapped because there was objection from the people and there was a call to preserve it due to its historical value. The government heard this urging from the people. At the same time, it also scrapped the coal fired power plant in Lahad Datu due to the request from the people. These signify that the present government listens to the people,” he said.
He added that even if the High Court were to be moved to a new site, it did not mean that the present High Court Building would be demolished to make way for any new developments.
“There are many historical events that took place there and the venue could serve as yet another touristic attraction in the city. In any case, the High Court site belongs to the federal government and they may still want to use it for other purposes,’ he said.
He felt however that moving the High Court to another venue would be good for the city in general.
The city, he said, now faced an acute shortage of parking spaces.
“If the court is sited elsewhere, it will help ease the traffic congestion in the city,” he said.
As for the City Hall building, he said he did not think City Hall was going to move anywhere else.
Meanwhile, over 300 people took part in the walk that began at 7.30am.
The participants ranged from primary and secondary students from SRK Tanjung Aru and SM Stella Maris as well as members of the public.
They walked from Perdana Park to the Tanjung Aru town, SM La Salle and Kg Tanjung Aru.
Also participating in the walk were City Hall director general Datuk Yeoh Boon Hai and press members.