I REFER to the hullabaloo over the proposed renaming of Jalan Silibin in Ipoh as Jalan P. Patto by the Pakatan Rakyat state government of Perak.

While I appreciate the inconvenience it may cause to residents and businesses, let us not forget that the Barisan Nasional-controlled local authorities in other states are no better.

In the 1980s, all the English names of main and subsidiary roads in my hometown were changed. These names had been in use for more than 50 years.

Though they may be names of our colonial masters, some of them have historical significance to the country.

However, the local authority replaced them with names that I am unfamiliar with save for a few.

It did not care if it caused any inconvenience to the people and I blame the people for taking it without any protest.

Now, a proposed change in the name of a road in Ipoh is creating an uproar.

The Pakatan Rakyat state government must listen to the people’s views on this and if the majority are against it, then it should not go ahead with the change. Otherwise, they would be no better than the previous BN state government.

Most Ipoh residents will agree that the late P. Patto fought hard for the well-being of the people and I am sure they would not want to see his name dragged into a protest over a road.

The state government could name a new road after him or erect a monument to honour him, and I am sure his family members would appreciate it.

MICHAEL NG, Seremban

Source: NST – November 20, 2008