The Star newspaper - Opinion section - Maintain the road signs as it is

ORIGINAL VERSION (I didn't keep the published version)

I would like to continue from the article entitled “Leave road signs alone by LOKE MAY LING of Petaling Jaya; Opinion; 24 July 2008”.

As a true blue Penangite myself, I am truly appalled by the notion of establishing road signs with languages ranging from Bahasa Malaysia , English, Chinese, Tamil, Jawi or Arabic. In fact, I agree full heartedly to the suggestion posted by Ms Loke in displaying road signs only in Bahasa Malaysia and English.

Imagine the consequences if non-Penang residents and tourist were shown road signs cramped with 4 to 5 languages in one board. It would not only create unnecessary confusion but might also interrupt the view of traffic users.

How about Melaka? Are they going to establish road signs in Bahasa Malaysia , English, Chinese, Tamil, Jawi or Arabic plus Portuguese language considering the fact that they have significant number of Portuguese community there?

Thus, I beg the Penang State Government as well as the Ex-State Government officials to be considerate and think over the whole scenario in-depth before jumping into the UNESCO site listing bandwagon prematurely. No doubt we have to work extra hard to ensure that Penang is not to be delisted 3 years down the road but cramping 4 to 5 languages in one road sign is definitely not a good way to kick start this plan.

CIPLAK,
Penang.

Published on: Sometime on July 2008