Malaysia’s Global Aspirations at Odds With On-the-Ground Realities

Source: Malaysia.Travel

Malaysia, known for its multi-cultural demography, dynamic modernization and urbanization, has previously gained international recognition through various UNESCO titles. Two for natural sites through Gunung Mulu National Park and Kinabalu Park and two for cultural sites, the Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley and Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca. Now, Malaysia is looking to broaden its global image by seeking recognition for innovative and creative qualities by nominating Kuala Lumpur for City of Design under UNESCO Creative Cities Network and Kota Kinabalu for City of Literature.

On April 25, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim inaugurated the Warisan Kuala Lumpur (KL) project to restore celebrated landmarks, improve infrastructures and shape new narratives around urban living and civic belonging. The project was set in motion to establish  a modern planning framework, for the purpose of integrating modern technology while encompassing Malaysia’s heritage, culture and values - all in service of its citizens.

The Warisan KL scheme will be undertaken by DBKL in collaboration with Finance and Federal Territories Ministries and Think City. In response to these efforts, DBKL applied for the capital to be part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). While the project certainly demonstrates ambitious plans of restoration and urban revitalization, it raises a question on whether KL deserves the City of Design status, given the persistent neglect of basic urban upkeep.

According to New Straits Times, Malaysian upkeep culture is prompted by complaints or crises. As majority amenities are government owned and funded, poor maintenance is exacerbated by limited budgeted allocation, even for simple tasks such as hiring cleaners. In reality, Malaysia is known for excelling at promotions and grand openings, however after all is wrapped up, sustainability efforts, conserving resources and sorting waste become an afterthought. Merdeka Stadium and Stadium Negara have been the only exception, as the former was revamped to reflect its 1957 architectural and historical glory and the latter has been well-maintained.

Proof of this neglect is apparent in multiple abandoned heritage buildings across Kuala Lumpur, including the old Chartered Bank and Industrial Court buildings near Jalan Raja as well as the former High Court and an old bank building near Dataran Merdeka. Although the buildings were slated by the government for rejuvenation, there was no progression with refurbishment. Initially planned to become tourist information centres, they sit dilapidated with walls covered in mould and wild shrubs, paint peeling to reveal brickwork, and ferns growing from cracks in the structure.

Likewise, the old High Court and bank buildings endure severe neglect, with moss-covered surfaces and reports of them being used as drug dens, littered with trash and syringes. While avenues such as funding through Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry (Motac) or corporate sponsorships exist, there is little to no response and coordination between agencies to move the efforts forward. Even public spaces have become victims of neglect, as seen in Taman Maluri’s neighbourhood park, where broken lights, dismantled fences, and vandalised streetlight poles have raised safety concerns among residents. Regardless of multiple reports by residents, DBKL cited limited resources and handed over the responsibility to local communities, exposing the lack of surveillance and long-term care in maintaining public infrastructure. Therefore, KL has strayed from what a City of Design should embody.

Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is looking to gain the City of Literature status, while positioning Sabah as a regional arts hub. State Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif said the campaign will be supported by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) and other stakeholders at the Wacana Puisi Esei 2025 closing ceremony. 

           Source: Adobe Stock

However, in the name of maintaining public order and trust in national institutions and safeguarding societal and religious morals, Malaysia routinely suppresses dissenting voices in literature and arts. According to a Southeast Asian Arts Censorship Database (by ArtsEquator & Five Arts Centre) Malaysia emerges as the country holding the most recorded censorship cases, 245, from 2010–2022. 

Several of these are books that address politically and religiously sensitive issues from well-known authors such as Zunar and Faisal Tehrani. 

Raids are carried out in bookstores and literary festivals, with titles being seized for reportedly promoting communism, liberalism, LGBTQ+ themes, questioning dominant political narratives or religious norms or encouraging “immoral” values. 

A notable example is a children’s book by Australian author Scott Stuart being banned for exploring gender diversity. Sydney-based journalist Kean Wong was also taken into custody by Malaysian authorities for being the editor of the banned non-fiction book Rebirth: Reformasi, Resistance, and Hope in New Malaysia. The book was a collection of essays and reports chronicling the historic 2018 general elections, the first time Malaysia saw a change in government since gaining independence. Said book was banned in 2020 with officials asserting that it posed a threat to public order, national security, and the country's interests. Authorities also opposed the cover design, stating that it breached the Emblems and Names Act because it resembled the national coat of arms.

Taking into account such cases, there is a dissonance between the aim for recognition as a literary and arts hub and the suppression of creative liberty and expression. Malaysia must reconcile its actions with its ambitions, before pursuing recognition as a City of Literature.