Sunday, November 23, 2008, 01.32 AM
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Sunday, November 23, 2008, 01.32 AM |
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The statesman, who may have been reminded of the wealth of heritage in his own multicultural country, had nothing but praise for conservation efforts on the island.
"This entire place is indeed fantastic," he said after a two-hour walk along a heritage trail in the heart of the city.
Abdul Kalam was amazed by the magnificence of structures, including the Sri Maha Mariamman, Goddess of Mercy and Teo Chew temples, Kapitan Keling and Acheen Street mosques, St George's and Assumption churches, the Nagore shrine and the Penang Islamic museum.
Accompanied by Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and Khazanah Nasional managing director Tan Sri Azman Mokthar, Abdul Kalam took his time admiring the buildings on the "Street of Harmony Heritage Walk" -- a tour of Penang's heritage area.
Also with them were the state executive councillors and civil society group leaders representing various religions, cultures and communities.
Nor Mohamed said Unesco's recognition of the living culture in George Town and Malacca would be reflected in the minds of all Malaysians, especially during the Merdeka celebrations.
He said the RM50 million allocation in the 2009 budget for both cities reflected the government's seriousness in preserving the heritage sites.
Lim said George Town had been recognised not only for having the largest concentration of pre-World War 2 buildings in Southeast Asia but also for its multiethnic living heritage.
He said Malays, Indians, Chinese, Eurasians, Armenians, Japanese, British, Jews, Filipinos and other smaller nationalities had contributed to the development of George Town.
Abdul Kalam's visit to Penang was part of a three-day programme arranged by Khazanah Nasional, which included the Khazanah Global Lectures 2008 where he spoke.
The renowned nuclear scientist was conferred the Doctor of Science honorary degree by Universiti Sains Malaysia yesterday.
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