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THE proposal to rename Port Dickson to Pantai Dermaga should not be interpreted as an attempt to erase history but rather as part of a wider tendency to reclaim the original identity of a place, an academic has said.
Dr Al-Amril Othman, Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), explained that the desire among certain quarters to revive historical names is not uncommon. However, he cautioned that any such change must follow strict procedures and cannot be done hastily.
"The reaction by Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, on this matter should not be seen as opposition to the renaming itself, but rather a reminder that such a process is not as simple as just altering a name," he said.
"Every name change must go through formal legal channels. The public may not realise that it involves a lengthy and official procedure," he added.
Dr Al-Amril stressed that clear communication from relevant authorities is essential to prevent public confusion over the issue.
"Let it not appear as though the government is rejecting the original identity. In fact, it’s more about ensuring that the process is transparent, legal, and considers various factors, including public opinion," he said.
Addressing concerns over whether renaming a place constitutes erasing its history, Dr Al-Amril asserted that such a notion is misguided.
"The historical name can still be preserved. For instance, tour guides can explain that Port Dickson was once known as Pantai Dermaga," he said.
"So the history is not lost — on the contrary, it could enhance a tourist's understanding of the place’s background."
He also noted that sensitivities within Malaysia’s multiracial society must be taken into account, as Port Dickson is home to a diverse population and not only ethnic Malays.
"If the name change is being proposed solely for the benefit of the Malays, it might seem appropriate from one perspective," he said. "But in reality, Port Dickson is inhabited by a multiracial community, and therefore, input from all groups should be considered."
Dr Al-Amril further argued that the timing of the proposal was not ideal, given that Malaysia is preparing for the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year, which will highlight key tourist destinations including Port Dickson.
"Tourists already recognise the Port Dickson name, and the brand itself adds value to the tourism sector. If a change is to be made, it must be done with careful planning and comprehensive public engagement," he said.
Dr Al-Amril is a recognised expert in Malaysian political history from the post-World War II era to the present.
Earlier, media reports noted that Datuk Seri Aminuddin had criticised several non-governmental organisations, including the Identity Empowerment Organisation (IDENTITI), the Malaysian Muslim Solidarity (ISMA), and the Muslim Defence Organisation (PEMBELA), for allegedly pushing to change Port Dickson’s name to Pantai Dermaga in a bid to remove colonial-era elements.
He was quoted as saying those involved should adopt a more open-minded stance, given that the name Port Dickson has its own identity and is widely recognised. - September 15, 2025
