Penang Approves Land For Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Gallery In Kepala Batas

BATU KAWAN, June 24 (Bernama) -- The Penang government has approved a plot of land in Vision Park, Bertam, Kepala Batas for the construction of the Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Gallery, in recognition of the services and legacy of the former Prime Minister.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the National Archives of Malaysia had visited the site and the state government will hand it over to them to build the gallery.

“A Pak Lah gallery project is being initiated and land selection has also been finalised. We will hand it over to the National Archives of Malaysia to realise it following a proposal from (Bertam state assemblyman) Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican for the setting up of a memorial gallery for Pak Lah in his (Pak Lah’s) hometown in Kepala Batas.

"So, the state government chose a plot of land in Kepala Batas, that is in Vision Park in Bertam. After all, the late Tun (Abdullah) was the Kepala Batas Member of Parliament,” he said.

He told reporters this after officiating the renaming of Lebuhraya Bandar Cassia to Jalan Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in Bandar Cassia here today, which was also attended by Tun Abdullah’s son, Tan Sri Kamaluddin, as well as Reezal Merican, state executive councillors and UMNO leaders.

Chow said the renaming of the 5.45-kilometre road from Jalan Batu Kawan to Lingkaran Cassia Selatan was in recognition of the great services and contributions of the late Tun Abdullah and a symbol of sincere and heartfelt respect from the state government.

“Actually, Bandar Cassia is the brainchild of the late Tun Abdullah, who envisioned it as a new town in Batu Kawan and now it has become a reality, emerging as a strategic destination and a focus for foreign investors, thus contributing to the state's economic growth.

"So, Bandar Cassia is a fitting tribute to Pak Lah and I also suggest that if possible in the new phase, the road from Batu Kawan to Nibong Tebal which connects Batu Kawan Industrial Park (BKIP 2) also be named Jalan Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi," he said.

On April 16, the State Executive Council Meeting (MMK) agreed to rename Lebuhraya Bandar Cassia as Jalan Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Meanwhile, Reezal Merican said the gallery would house all personal items and collections, including photographs, belonging to the nation's fifth Prime Minister, who passed away on April 14 at the age of 85. 

Reezal Merican, who had previously worked with Tun Abdullah, said the gallery would be built on a 0.8-hectare (two-acre) plot of land, adding that he would also apply for allocations from the federal government for its construction so that it becomes a legacy that will be remembered by future generations.

"It is currently in the planning stage and, so far, the land (has been approved by the state government). I will request funding for construction from the federal government. Discussions are ongoing and we hope this gallery becomes a reality," he said.

Meanwhile, Kamaluddin, when met after the event, expressed his family’s gratitude for the state government's efforts to rename Lebuhraya Bandar Cassia after their late father.

"I am deeply touched by this recognition and I am also happy that the Chief Minister announced plans for the development of the Tun Abdullah (Ahmad Badawi) Gallery in Kepala Batas. We are very grateful to the state government and his friends, who are working to realise this honour,” he said.

Tun Abdullah, who served as the Kepala Batas Member of Parliament for eight consecutive terms from 1978 to 2013, passed away at the National Heart Institute (IJN) at 7.10 pm on April 14 due to respiratory complications.

-- BERNAMA