Happy Anniversary to The Kuala Lumpur Train Station! A Grand old lady in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, still diligently serving it's people without grouse. One would expect fireworks and celebrations during this time, and yet, it's people no longer cares about you, despite housing offices inside your very being. Perhaps this is the mindset of us Malaysians towards our Buildings of National Heritage, least of course you are owned by some big Mega Corporation who would restore you and care for your every luxury fitting.
Yes the Kuala Lumpur Train Station is now over 100 Years old. No celebrations. No Birthday cake. No more words of comfort or festivity. What gives? I passed the building by today, and I feel so sad. So much can be done, as I had great plans for the building when working there. I wanted it to become a living museum, where people can stay and interact with an era gone by .... I called this "The Community Hotel Model".
Anyhow, as a small tribute to the hotel I am leaving you with an article that was published by Kosmo Newspaper in Bahasa Malaysia by Zamri Rambli.
"Hampir enam tahun bermastautin di Kuala Lumpur, bahkan paling kurang seminggu sekali melalui Bangunan Stesen Kereta Api, Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, memang penulis mengakui ia satu 'kesalahan besar'. Ini kerana inilah kali pertama penulis menjejaki ke The Heritage Station Hotel (THSH) Kuala Lumpur yang berlokasi di bangunan warisan negara.
Walaupun pernah dua kali menaiki tren dari bangunan itu, namun beberapa kali penulis terpaksa membuat pengesahan dengan rakan setugas mengenai pintu masuk hotel tersebut. Ia memang agak memalukan.
Namun, itulah pengalaman penulis. Bahkan, tidak mustahil kebanyakan daripada 1.8 juta warga Kuala Lumpur juga mungkin mempunyai cerita yang hampir sama. Yang pasti, berdiri sebagai hotel bajet di sebuah bangunan lama menuntut kesungguhan dan kerja kuat 'pemain' belakang tabirnya."
You can read the full article here.
Have a Good Centennial - The Kuala Lumpur Train Station! I hope one day, someone will come to take care and treat you like a grand lady, which you so rightly deserve ......
