THE IMPORTANCE OF PRESERVING HISTORICAL BUILDINGS

Prepared by: Sekretariat Kerohanian dan perpaduan, Majlis Perwakilan Kolej (MPK), Kolej Sepuluh, Sesi 2020/2021, UPM   

Prepared on : 26/2/2021

      In this era of globalization, many industrial factories, shopping malls, and houses were built that used a lot of space to consume acres of land. Among the hot issues that have been discussed in the coffee shop until sitting in the latest Parliament House is the issue of demolishing the historic building but the discussion has made the final decision not to demolish the building. However, there are also countries that have demolished historic buildings. Why did something like this happen? Is it necessary to demolish the building? In fact, there are various interests we need to maintain the historic buildings found in our country.

    First foremost and above all, the historic buildings and old monuments can provide examples and lessons to society, especially today's teenagers who have a declining spirit of patriotism. Although there are some historic buildings that only reflect the black history of the country, if we appreciate the history behind the building again and take lessons from the events that have happened, then we can move forward without repeating the mistakes made by previous communities. For example, Kota A Famosa in Melaka which is a stronghold of defense was built by the Portuguese after they managed to conquer Melaka can be used as a lesson. This conquest occurred because of the problem of unity, the weakness of leadership and also the weakness of the army that controls Melaka. Our country can also be a country on par with other developed countries if we do not take it easy and learn from the history of the country. Therefore, the historic buildings in our country do not need to be demolished.

     Next, in terms of tourism, historical buildings and monuments can attract tourists. It can be both which is local tourists and tourists from abroad to visit our country. This building is also one of the dominant factors for holiday tourists in our country besides witnessing the Petronas Twin Towers. Therefore, historic buildings do not need to be demolished but preserved and renovated. For example, old buildings should be renovated to become museums, art galleries and tourist centres. This phenomenon has become commonplace in some European countries such as England, France, Italy, and the Netherlands. Historic cities such as York, Bath, Oxford, and Cambridge in England have successfully protected most of their historic buildings. This effort can attract more tourists from all over the world and can be a source of income for the country.

    In addition, old buildings and monuments also play an important role in education in our country, especially students and researchers. Various knowledge that can be learned by understanding and studying old buildings and monuments. For example, with the presence of Horse buildings and fountains around Dataran Merdeka and Masjid Jamek at the confluence of Sungai Gombak and Klang in Kuala Lumpur, the people not only know the importance of Kuala Lumpur in the British colonial era but also the life and culture of the colonial and local communities at that time. Royal Selangor Club Building and Dataran Merdeka was constructed for social and recreational facilities, especially the British and European citizens who served in Malaya in the late 19th century. The same goes for the importance of the Horse fountain which was built at the intersection of Jalan Raja and Jalan Raja Laut in 1897. The Horse fountain was built in commemoration of a Selangor state police inspector, Mr. Steve Harper. Thus, historic buildings and monuments do have their own value. 

    In conclusion, historic buildings are very important in the formation of the minds of the country's young generation, especially towards the appreciation of the country's heritage and treasures. Historic buildings and monuments are assets that should be preserved and inherited from one generation to the next. With the presence of historic buildings, the new generation will be more appreciative and sensitive to the development of the country's history. This will form a society that is sensitive to any demolition or destruction of historic buildings. Indeed, the government needs to gazette historic buildings as buildings that need to be maintained. So, if any party wants to demolish or destroy a historic building, they should be subject to legal action.

Date of Input: 26/02/2021 | Updated: 27/02/2021 | rahiza