Big ego displayed on buildings and roads

COMMENT | I’m sure we can all agree with Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s policy of forbidding any building or road to be named after him. In his own words, “because I do not like to create a personality cult around me”. This is a stand to be respected.

While Mahathir did not make it an official policy during his first term as prime minister, everyone followed and we heard little of what I would describe as the big ego of those in power being displayed on buildings and roads.

I remember a political leader in Sarawak who was extremely fond of such a practice. Former chief minister and governor Abdul Rahman Yakub must have named several schools, roads and bridges after himself. He even dedicated a hospital to his wife...