Zakaria... sigh... double sigh...

Opinion by LEE KIM CHUAN
Friday November 3, 2006

Turn Zakaria’s mansion into public library

EVER since Datuk Zakaria Md Deros' controversial “Istana Idaman” in Klang was highlighted in the media, there have been many calls by the people to demolish the mansion which reportedly costs over RM8mil.

By law, any structure that is illegally built has to be demolished. Many small temples on government land and squatter homes have been levelled to the ground for the same reason.

Both the Prime Minister and Selangor Mentri Besar have said that no one is above the law. Thus, it is obvious that the mansion has to be demolished.

But, as a Klang resident, I do not agree. It is a complete waste of money and resources to demolish the mansion.

It serves no real purpose to tear down the beautiful building.

Many visitors to Klang have complained that this royal town of the only developed state in Malaysia is dirty and dusty with uneven and dark roads, noisy and ugly crows, and poorly maintained public facilities.

One example is the Klang public library in Jalan Tengku Kelana. It is very small and the reading materials are pathetically outdated.

The library is supposed to serve more than 500,000 Klang residents, but how many people actually go there?

I suggest that the government turn Zakaria's mansion into a new public library complex.

And I am sure Zakaria, who is known for his contributions to charity, will not mind.



i don't quite agree on the mansions aesthetics. although, the proposal for a library isn't half bad.