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The Defence Ministry has proposed parts of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) air terminal and runway in Sungai Besi air to be preserved as historical relics.
Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said although the ministry abided by the Cabinet decision to redevelop the air base into a commercial hub, the aesthetic values should be maintained.
"The RMAF acknowledges the decision and ready to move to a new location to make way for the new project in line with the Cabinet's decision.
"But ideally we propose that the terminal and runway to be preserved as much as possible due to their historical values. It is the country's first airport," he told reporters at the RMAF Aidilfitri celebration at the RMAF air base in Sungai Besi here Friday.
He said the air terminal made history when a plane carrying the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj landed on June 3, 1957 after the founding father attained the country's independence from the British.
Ahmad Zahid said, however, all quarters must accept the fact that nostalgia was not enough to upkeep heritage.
He said a site in the Klang Valley had been identified for the new air base but it had yet to be finalised and approved by the Economic Planning Unit.
"The RMAF acknowledges the decision and ready to move to a new location to make way for the new project in line with the Cabinet's decision.
"But ideally we propose that the terminal and runway to be preserved as much as possible due to their historical values. It is the country's first airport," he told reporters at the RMAF Aidilfitri celebration at the RMAF air base in Sungai Besi here Friday.
He said the air terminal made history when a plane carrying the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj landed on June 3, 1957 after the founding father attained the country's independence from the British.
Ahmad Zahid said, however, all quarters must accept the fact that nostalgia was not enough to upkeep heritage.
He said a site in the Klang Valley had been identified for the new air base but it had yet to be finalised and approved by the Economic Planning Unit.
