*Sign the PETITION to Save Atkinson Clock Tower*

Not living in Kota Kinabalu anymore, I came to know of this development only recently from a Bruneian friend who was approached to invest in this particular project.

The so-called Atkinson Tower is a 16 storey high commercial builed poised to be built at the side of the city with lush green trees most visible from one of our main tourist attraction, Gaya Street Sunday Market.

This is also where the Atkinson Clock Tower is prominently standing and keeping time for the city.

Not simply any tower, this clock tower built in 1905 is an all-wood and no-nail structure and is the oldest standing structure in the whole of Sabah that survived World War II.

Ordinarily, a new shopping mall is an interesting and a much looked-forward-to development in any city. More store choices, more dining outlets and more entertainment centres.

However, if it threatens to clear one of the most beautiful side of our otherwise all-concrete-jungle of a city AND a historical landmark, it changes the whole perspective.

We may not always appreciate the Atkinson Clock Tower BUT that does not mean that we want it to “disappear”.

It is part of our city heritage and this mall is putting the Atkinson Clock Tower in danger of disappearing from public view.

Yes, with progress comes sacrifices.

But Kota Kinabalu resident and anyone who loves Kota Kinabalu must think hard if we really want to sacrifice this pleasant green forested hill and historical not to mention, very picturesque clock tower – FOR YET ANOTHER MALL!

Do your part to make this issue known or join the Atkinson Clock Tower : Save Our Heritage Facebook Group and help keep this part of our city in it’s rightful place.

On that hill. In full view of everyone. At all time.

*Sign the PETITION to Save Atkinson Clock Tower*

Watching a Borneon gibbon doing its acrobatic moves at the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park recently, it really looked as if it was putting on a show to demonstrate its agility and strength.

Such a different scenario from the orang utans as these primates moved very slowly most of the time – elegantly, as their movements are so often described.

On that particular day, they were in their most languid and laziest mood. Not meant as an offence, but they are just like men with beer belly, not thinking about how to get rid of stomach fat but where the next drinking session is!

Of course they are an interesting animal being one of the most intelligent primates.

But perhaps Sabah should also promote other native animals that are more active in nature such as the Sabah Rhino or Proboscis Monkey or the Borneon Gibbon.

*Picture : Orang Utan, Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, Sabah