Media statement by M.Kula Segaran in Ipoh on Thursday, 2^nd September 2010:

Government should consider naming the mega low cost airport as Tunku Abdul Rahman International Airport (TARIA)

At the ground breaking ceremony of the new mega low cost carrier airport on August 30, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said that the project was scheduled to be completed in 2012 and it would be known as KLIA2.

I have received public feedback on why the government has chosen such an unexciting and dull name for the airport which will be the world's first mega low cost carrier.

Many feel that while KLIA is an appropriate name for the nation's main airport, to name another airport as KLIA2 does not sound "special" at all. Many feel that the "2" does not indicate anything special.

I was surprised why the government did not ask for public suggestions to name the new airport.

After all, in June this year, the Prime Minister who has said before that the era where the government knows best is over has asked for public's help to name a kitten he has bought.

KLIA was chosen for the nation's main international airport basically to make Kuala Lumpur an international name. Hence, I personally don't see the need to use KLIA2 for the new terminal as the original purpose has been achieved with naming the main airport as KLIA.

I wish to make a personal suggestion that the new terminal be named "Tunku Abdul Rahman International Airport" ( TARIA) to honur the great contribution our Bapa Merdeka made to bring the nation from colonialism to independence and in memory of his great legacy.

In 2003, the then DAP Chairman Sdr Lim Kit Siang had this to say about the late Bapa Merdeka:-

"History and the world at large acknowledge his contributions as a statesman, a nation builder and as a singularly unique historical figure.

He personified decency, a deeply-held belief in the rule of law and respect for tradition".

Tunku had also sincerely believed that tolerance and goodwill among Malaysians were most important to the nation's peace and harmony.

In fact, he has today become a symbol of moderation.

Malaysians must always be reminded of the contributions made by our Bapa Merdeka and the noble values he had sincerely upheld .

I personally feel that the main international airport should have been named Tunku Abdul Rahman International Airport. But that chance has been missed.

I hope that the government will now consider the world's first mega low cost terminal as "Tunku Abdul Rahamn International Airport" (TARIA).

* M. Kula Segaran, DAP National Vice Chairman & MP for Ipoh Barat