KOTA LAKSAMANA - Pakatan Harapan (PH) Kota Laksamana incumbent Low Chee Leong has reiterated his proposal to elevate the constituency as Melaka’s new state capital, saying its mix of heritage and modern urban areas offers an opportunity for more organised and strategic development.
Low said he had first submitted the proposal to the Melaka state government two years ago, citing limitations on development in the existing historic city due to heritage restrictions, narrow roads and constraints on introducing new projects.
“I made a suggestion to the Melaka state government two years ago to elevate Kota Laksamana as the state's new capital, based on several factors.
“Melaka is a historic city dating back 600 years to the era of the Malay Sultanate of Melaka, while Kota Laksamana itself is part of the Unesco heritage zone.
“As a result, development in the existing city is limited due to heritage restrictions, narrow roads and constraints on introducing new developments,” he told Sinar Daily yesterday after his walkabout along Jalan Tun Perak in Kota Laksamana, Melaka.
Low said Kota Laksamana offered a combination of older and newer urban areas, making it suitable for more comprehensive planning and development.
His proposal included improving infrastructure such as water and electricity supplies, multimedia networks and road connectivity, while positioning the area as a centre for trade, business, culture, traditions and community development.
“The proposal had also received a positive response from the state government,” he added.
Low pointed out that although Melaka's administrative centre was located in Ayer Keroh, the state's capital remained Melaka, which shared the state's name.
However, he said the state capital lacked a distinct landmark or recognised identity that clearly represented it, making Kota Laksamana a potential location for a more organised urban centre.
His proposal comes after caretaker Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said on Nov 8 that Kota Laksamana had the potential to become the state's new capital, supported by a five-year development plan aimed at driving economic growth.
The proposed development would cover commercial, residential, healthcare and tourism sectors within the waterfront economic zone.
Ab Rauf said the plan would involve cooperation between the state government and private sector to accelerate projects, provide support and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.