Tun Fuad Stephens' name restored to Bukit Padang Park following backlash
KOTA KINABALU (July 4): Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) has reinstated the original name of 'Taman Tun Fuad Stephens' in Bukit Padang to 'Taman Botani Tun Fuad Stephens Sabah'.
Luyang Community Development Leader (PPM) Gee Tien Siong thanked DBKK for retaining the name which is now displayed on the park's main archway.
Gee, who is also a vice oresident of Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), said the late Tun Fuad Stephens was Sabah's first and fifth Chief Minister and the third Yang di-Pertua Negara, the title used for the Head of State at that time. He died in the 1976 Double Six Tragedy 1976 during his second term as Chief Minister.
Gee noted that during the upgrading project, the name 'Tun Fuad' was quietly dropped, which triggered strong public concern. The dropping of Tun Fuad name was only revealed in a social media post by DAP's Luyang assemblyman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, which read:
'Sabah Botanical Garden is her new name.' The new name of the park had dropped the name 'Tun Fuad.' The revelation is viewed as disregarding Sabah's historical identity.
Gee said attempts to erase the historical name risk disconnecting Sabahans from their identity.
'Tun Fuad's name represents our roots. Removing it would have disrespected the people's feelings,' he said.
Last year, Gee had met and successfully explained to DBKK officers that the name Tun Fuad must be retained as a respect and recognition of Tun Fuad and because local people know the park as 'Tun Fuad Park' (or 'Taman Tun Fuad', in Malay).
Meanwhile, he urged DBKK to properly organise the park's vending areas, noting that hawkers wish to return to their original locations.
He called for the park to reopen to the public as planned on coming July 14 or partially if works are still ongoing.
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