Renaming Port Dickson A Historical Identity That Should Not Be Erased

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AN MCA leader said the recent suggestion to rename Port Dickson as a move to shed colonial associations may appear reasonable on the surface but in practice, is unnecessary and could lead to avoidable complications.
Its deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said to begin with, Port Dickson is a name that has been in use for over a century and carries “deep historical significance”
“It is not just a label; it reflects the area’s evolution from a 19th-century port, through the development of its railway link to Seremban, to its present-day identity as a coastal town,” he argued.
“Altering it would mean disregarding a rich and layered history. Moreover, Port Dickson has been promoted internationally under its current name for decades.”
According to Dr Mah, Port Dickson is widely recognised by tourists as a holiday destination, and a name change would inevitably involve considerable rebranding costs.
“One must ask whether such expenses are justifiable, especially when there are other pressing needs. It is also worth noting that the area is already known by different names among our diverse communities,” he stressed.
“Malay speakers refer to it as ‘Tanjung’ while some in the Chinese and Indian communities call it ‘Arang’ or ‘Than’. The coexistence of these names alongside Port Dickson reflects our multicultural fabric in a meaningful way.”
Dr Mah said from a practical standpoint, the administrative and financial implications of a rename cannot be overlooked.
He noted that every street sign, official document, map, and promotional material would need updating—a process both costly and logistically challenging.
“Ultimately, what Port Dickson represents today goes far beyond its colonial origins. For most people, it evokes images of beaches, resorts, and local cuisine – not a historical figure,” he continued.
“Rather than focusing on symbolic gestures, our efforts would be better directed toward tangible improvements in local infrastructure and economic development – the issues that truly matter to everyday Malaysians.”
Several NGOs recently began a petition to rename Port Dickson, named after British colonial officer Sir John Frederick Dickson, credited with transforming the town into a strategic seaport and railway hub in the late 19th century.
The group had pushed for the name to be changed to Pantai Dermaga.
In response, Negri Sembilan menteri besar Aminuddin Harun had criticised the NGOs’ suggestion, saying the coastal town, known for its beaches, was hardly an obscure location in need of rebranding. ‒  Focus Malaysia

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