Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN – Machang) has proposed to have Malaysia’s largest flower, the Rafflesia, be renamed to symbolise the liberation from colonialism in conjunction with the 68th National Day celebrations.
According to a report by Malaysia Gazette, he took to the floor of the Dewan Rakyat (August 19) to bring up how the name of the flower, which was in conjunction with British colonial figure, Sir Stamford Raffles, is no longer appropriate to use after more than 6 decades of Malaysia achieving independence.
Wan Fayhsal proposes that the Rafflesia be renamed in conjunction with the 68th National Day
“In conjunction with the 68th National Day and the spirit of the Tambun MP (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) who invited us to evaluate history outside of the colonial framework, can the Minister use the power under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) to rename Malaysia’s largest flower, the Rafflesia?”
“The name was taken in conjunction with Stamford Raffles, our coloniser, a man without morals and ethics.. Maybe the Minister can suggest to the Cabinet that a more suitable name be used? It’s fine to use Anwar Ibrahim’s name, no problem, as long as it’s better,” he said.
This proposal was directed towards Acting NRES Minister, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, who jokingly responded with “I take note. If there are any name suggestions, you can submit them“.
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