Taib (left) accompanied by DBKU commissioner Datuk Abang Abdul Wahab Abang Julai touring the esplanade during the launching of DBKU 2014 Agenda. — Photo by Jeffery Mostapha
KUCHING: To preserve the charm and character of Kuching city, the government plans to turn an area in its old quarters into Legacy Square where the people can interact reflecting the racial harmony among the various races of the state.
Speaking at the launching of Kuching City North Commission (DBKU) 2014 Agenda at Kuching Esplanade yesterday, Taib said the Legacy Square is to maintain the spirit of the state capital as it develop into a modern urban centre.
“We will have a Legacy Square as a way to remind us of something precious about our city. It is something more subtle. It is a reflection of the social impact of progress, without too much of the mundane commercial preference of busy life,” added Abdul Taib.
Taib added that the transformation of Gambir Street, a more than a century old stretch in the middle of the city, from a wet market area in the old days into a modern esplanade where people could relax and enjoy the best part of Kuching, was an excellent example of development while preserving the legacy of the city.
The Chief Minister congratulated some proactive traders in the area who had taken the initiative to improve their buildings but at the same time still preserved the character of Gambir Street.
“This is what I like very much because it will reflect the concept of preserving Kuching as a legacy city and I am really happy with the shop owners,” he said.
He pointed out that the biggest asset for the people of Sarawak is their friendliness and this is something that should be preserved.
What attracted outsiders to visit Sarawak or Kuching was not its buildings, trees, roads and other facilities but more because of the friendliness, gentleness and warm hospitality of its people, he said.