Heritage body gets first East Malaysia reps on board

SANDAKAN – The founder and chairman of Sandakan Heritage Trail, Lai King Hang, has become the first from Sabah to be elected to serve in the International Council on Monument and Sites (Icomos) Malaysia.  

It is the first time that Icomos Malaysia since its inception in 2013 includes representatives from Sabah and Sarawak on its executive board. Lai and another Sarawak representative have become among the 13 members of Icomos Malaysia.  

Icomos Malaysia president Tiong Kian Boon said that Icomos Malaysia, despite being almost all from Malaya, saw it appropriate to cast their votes in sufficient numbers to elect both the candidates from Sabah and Sarawak.  

“It is the first time since Icomos Malaysian National committee was formed eight years ago that we, the executive board, have representation from every part of Malaysia. 

“At the moment, the national heritage narrative is centred on Malaya as Sabah and Sarawak have their respective legislations. Heritage has no respect for manmade boundaries.  

“With contribution from our Sabahan and Sarawakian colleagues, the narrative will be more inclusive and more representative of Malaysian heritage,” he told The Vibes.  

Meanwhile, Lai when contacted yesterday said that he is honoured to represent Sabah and hopes he will be able to highlight issues in the state. He has been spearheading the efforts to promote heritage sites within the Sandakan Heritage Trail.  

Sandakan Heritage Trail is established in 2003. It encompasses 10 heritage sites and is a popular attraction for locals and visitors.  

During the pandemic, a beautiful mural has been added to the 100 steps to attract more young people to visit these heritage sites.  

In recent years, Lai has also undertaken the task of advocating learning our history to the younger generation. This is to ensure that Sabahans are familiar with their own heritage.  

Icomos Malaysia forms part of Icomos International network of multi-disciplinary professionals involved in the conservation of tangible and intangible heritage. It is a channel through which local specialists could take part in Icomos' international activities entrusted by Unesco. – The Vibes, April 11, 2022