Feb 1 marks marks the 50th anniversary of the designation of Kuala Lumpur as a Federal Territory — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Tomorrow marks the golden jubilee of the formation of the Federal Territories.
The commemoration aligns with the 50th anniversary of Kuala Lumpur’s designation as a Federal Territory on Feb 1, 1974.
Subsequently, Labuan and Putrajaya were declared Federal Territories in 1984 and 2001, respectively, each serving unique roles: Kuala Lumpur as the national capital, Putrajaya as the administrative capital or seat of government and Labuan as the international business and financial centre.
In celebration of the golden jubilee, a special edition of the StarMetro pullout will be available tomorrow, Feb 1.
It will feature some of the diverse faces of the two million KLites living in the 11 parliamentary constituencies on issues close to their hearts.
From improved infrastructure to responsible pet ownership, residents express their hope for a more efficient and sustainable future.
StarMetro also spoke to social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, as he reminisced about his early political career in the early 1970s.
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Now 77, the veteran politician stands witness to the city’s transformation over the last five decades, maintaining a strong working relationship with all Kuala Lumpur mayors despite being in the opposition.
After leaving politics in 1990, he served on the City Hall Advisory Board for 16 years, emphasising the current challenge of enhancing Kuala Lumpur’s quality of life through infrastructure upgrades and environmental sustainability.
Three former Kuala Lumpur mayors also reflect on the city’s transformative journey, covering changes in infrastructure, society, and more.
They offer insights into future challenges and opportunities, sharing personal anecdotes that give insight into administering a city like Kuala Lumpur.
Meanwhile, amateur historian Sabri Zain, 65, shares old photographs of landmarks and places on his Facebook page “Sabri Zain’s Malayan History Society”.
“My interest is actually on the history of the Malay Peninsula as a whole, though the history of Kuala Lumpur is a very important part of that.
“Change is happening all around but there are places in Kuala Lumpur that still have the soul of the city that sprang up 150 years ago,” said Sabri, who is continuously amazed by how posting old photographs had led to insightful discussions and information exchange among community members.
“It is amazing to see these old black-and-white pictures come alive with stories and memories of actual people who had a real connection with those places.
“It reminded us of how much our history is so much a part of us today.”
As a nod to the enduring and ever-changing nature of the city’s food scene, we pay homage to the eateries that withstood the test of time and continue to be beloved indulgences for city dwellers.
From hawker stalls to long standing restaurants, the individuals behind these enterprises speak about how their businesses have endured the passage of time.
*Watch out for StarMetro Special FT Day edition tomorrow.
