COMMENT | Many years ago, in sarcasm, I gave an interpretation of the phrase “tourist attraction.” If you dig a hole in your front garden, fill it with water and throw in a few guppies, I reasoned that there would be VIPs lining up to officially declare open the latest “tourist attraction”.

For a good measure, I had also cautioned that there will “agents” lining up claiming to have “cables” to arrange “development grants” for the project.

Memories of this were rekindled during the recently-concluded by-election in Port Dickson, where the winning candidate, his supporters and businessmen threw in their weight and two cent’s worth on making the town a “tourist attraction”. At present, this sleepy town transforms itself and only wakes up on weekends and public holidays.

The wishes of Air Asia’s Tony Fernandes may eventually materialise – a dedicated terminal for his low-cost airline. His plan to build such a terminal in Nilai was shot down a few years ago. Changing the livery may have helped but the government changed too. These days, after having warmed up to leaders in the new regime, they may finally find land near Lukut, or Bukit Pelanduk for Fernandes’ project.

On social media, Fernandes said that the airline had always been advocating development of this town for many years and that Port Dickson’s vicinity to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport meant it has potential to be like Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach. Well, good luck to him, his plans and his investments as he may finally fulfil his dream of a dedicated terminal.

However, while driving along the coast from the town to Pasir Panjang, one can assess how much has to be spent and how much has to be done. Gone are the puny chalets and bungalows in acres of greenery and coconut trees. Belonging to many of the rich and famous and several commercial organisations, they were the place for weekend retreats for the family, and in many instances, employers.

When “development” descended on Port Dickson in the late 80s and 90s, owners of these bungalows sold their property for princely sums. High-rise condominiums and apartments took their place.

What stand now are blocks of concrete – mostly unoccupied – which were built at the height of the housing boom in the 90s...