“Stone’s friend”, what’s the problem?

What’s in a name? Well, depending on what it actually meant, it may mean a lot. For example, the name of Batu Kawan is said to be not suitable for “the most modern satellite township in Malaysia.” Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said that when translated into English, Batu Kawan meant ‘a stone’s friend.’ This is considered inappropriate because once everything planned is completed, it would be a future metropolis in the northern region. I shall not comment on whether this would be the most modern satellite township in Malaysia but to change the name because the translation showed that it’s inappropriate?
While there was no explanation about what CM meant by “most modern” but I think some of the things happening there in the future should explain. Batu Kawan is reported to be having an IKEA store, a new Columbia Asia Hospital as well as many other residential and commercial components which would be developed in phases over a period of 10 years. It meant that by 2025, Batu Kawan or whatever its new name may be would be considered the “most modern satellite township in Malaysia.”
Coming back to the name change, is it really necessary? This is a very personal opinion, I have many friends who changed their name to something more special. Adding another alphabet for example. It was supposed to bring them better luck, more wealth etc. I found out that they have remained almost the same. The successful ones are still very successful. The not so successful ones, well I think maybe its because not a lot of people know about their new name yet. So, my conclusion is this. Make Batu Kawan a real metropolis. Have more plans to make mainland Penang be as great as the island part. Make it desirable to stay, play and display. Display meant you are proud to tell people you stay in mainland. Today, what happens is usually Penangites are more proud to stay in Greenlane versus say Relau. I am not sure where mainland is ranked at the moment for the pure islander Penangites currently.
For the actual name change, it can wait. If a very grand name is given today, it will still NOT change anything currently. Yes, I do look forward to a much more vibrant Batu Kawan because this weekend when I crossed the second bridge into Penang, there were hardly any cars. When I left Penang, I chose the first bridge instead. Hope everyone understands my meaning. If not, it’s okay, let’s focus on having a “better” name for Batu Kawan then. How about “BK Metropolis?” Happy naming.
written on 28 June 2015
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