I have passed by what used to be the Subang International Airport many times before but failed to notice that the whole complex of buildings that comprise the massive airport terminal, the hotel, the car park, the control tower, etc, are now gone.

I wonder how many have noticed this and not feel a sense of loss and regret that such an important national monument has been razed to the ground without much consideration? Whoever is responsible for its destruction should be condemned for posterity.

I still remember when it was first announced to be built, critics called it a white elephant and frequent travellers did not like the location for being too far from Kuala Lumpur. However when it was built it turned out to be a magnificent piece of architecture. It had a wide gallery on the flat roof for relatives and well-wishers to send off their loved ones or welcome them home after a long journey abroad.

Over the years, millions more public money was spent in adding space and equipment to bring it up to international standard. It was in fact our pride to have most of the facilities befitting an international class airport. Our duty free shopping equals some of the world's best. In fact, to me at least, what we have in the Kuala Lumpur International Airport is not much better.

Why were all these hundreds of millions of ringgit, if not billions, worth of buildings and infrastructure suddenly razed to the ground? Can we not think of alternative use of the facilities? Do we not need more hospitals, education and training institutions, research centres, etc? My heart really bleeds for this waste and sheer lack of appreciation for historical linkages with the past. Can we know who is the beneficiary of this piece of property if it is not any more the government of Malaysia?

I urge that all Malaysians visit this site and see for yourselves the complete disappearance of what was once our national pride and joy when you arrive home from a long trip overseas. While there, take a deep breath and promise not to associate yourselves with such a wasteful act, if ever you have the power, in future.