A Legacy on the Legendary Island

Many of the new attractions, buildings and activities in Langkawi are the result of the efforts of the former Prime Minister to popularize the legendary island. These were his legacy to the island. He has had a very special interest in developing the island as a tourist attraction. And as always, he went to the ground during construction to make sure that what came up met his expectations, a very discerning man indeed. I know, as I had some experience with him, although not directly, when I was working with the national oil company.

Now, why did he concentrate in developing the island? was it to live up to the ending of the curse? Or was there another agenda? I wonder. I noticed that almost all the development, private or public, somehow has reference to him. Some holiday resorts and complexes would somehow or other have something devoted to him. Apple polishing? There is one complex, the Galeria Perdana, or literally Prime Gallery, that is totally devoted to him. It comprised of several large buildings. Ram and I spent a couple of hours and just got tired walking when viewing the exhibits inside the buildings. We had to sit down and rest our feet several times!! Exhibits include gifts from head of states, captains of industries, big and small, local and foreign, and others that were given to him during his tenure as Prime Minister of the country.

Whatever the reason was in developing the island it certainly brings in the tourist dollars. Even during the low peak period that we were there we saw many foreigners all over the island. One sad thing though was the fact that many of the outlets, the small ones, especially those in the touristy parts of the island were out to make quick gains. Ram learnt it the expensive way. She bought a ‘kaftan’ at one of the stalls by the touristy beach, for a price that she thought she got at a bargain after haggling but found out later that the same stuff was sold in a local town shopping complex tagged at a lower price!! Similarly food prices in the little restaurants in the tourist areas and stuff in the mini markets. They were a letdown……

Anyway, we enjoyed our stay in Langkawi and would not mind returning sometime in the future, in a low peak period of course……

MKI Ramblings Unlimited
Petaling Jaya