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Last-ditch
move to preserve building
By
Izatun Shari
KUALA
LUMPUR: More than 1,000 past and present Bukit Bintang Girls'
School students signed a petition to make a final plea to
the owner of the school's old site to preserve the school's
facade.
During
an emotional farewell gathering at the old school grounds
in Jalan Bukit Bintang here yesterday, former and current
students sang their school anthem and raised its flag for
the last time.
A former
student known only as Alena, 54, from the Class of 1965
called on the authorities to ensure the school's front portion
was retained as its attractive architectural design would
enhance its commercial value.
"Tearing
down the whole building will be contrary to the government's
call to preserve heritage buildings.
THE LONG GOODBYE ... present and former students raising
their school flag for the last time at the old school grounds
in Kuala Lumpur Sunday.
"In the name of development, there has to be a balance between
the old and the new. Otherwise, there will be nothing left
for future generations to remind them of Kuala Lumpur's
past glory."
Former
Miss Malaysia and radio deejay, Yasmin Yusuf, who studied
at the school from 1966 to 1969, said several parts of the
building were worthy of conservation.
"It
has the finest architectural design that can be integrated
into the new development.
Later
at a press conference, Malaysian Architectural Association
vice-president Lillion Tay appealed to owners and developers
to reconsider demolishing the whole building as its front
portion was a "fine piece of Kuala Lumpur's architectural
heritage".
She
said the association would present the written petition
to the developer and relevant authorities.
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