Local authorities were today told to exercise more caution and sensitivity when renaming roads to avoid stirring angry sentiments among residents.

Housing and Local Government Minister Ong Ka Ting said the authorities would also have to refer to the state and federal governments in future before renaming roads in their locality.

He said though the local authorities were vested with the power to rename roads, his ministry would send reminders to them to be more sensitive when renaming roads, especially those that have historical and community sentiments.

"The ministry with the blessing of the cabinet will ask the local authorities to be extra careful with the renaming of roads," said Ong.

This consideration should apply to all roads, especially those bearing the names of historical figures and people who have contributed to nation-building regardless of their race, religion and nationality, he added.

"So many incidents have happened recently, and we think it is time to give the local authorities some reminders," the minister told a press conference after officiating at a Chinese calligraphy exhibition in Kuala Lumpur this morning.

Ipoh residents were angered when the local council renamed Jalan Koo Chong Kong to Jalan Tabung Haji at the behest of Tabung Haji which was situated there. The road was named in honour of a former state police chief who gave his life fighting communism in the 1970s.

Road name restored

The public - politicians, former police officers and historians included - fielded a volley of protests against the council's move, which was seen as disrespectful to the late Koo who was shot dead by two communists on his way home from work.

The Ipoh City Council restored the road name on Monday following the protests.

Perak Menteri Besar Tajol Rosli Ghazali said he had directed the council to submit new road names along with information on their location when submitting applications for the renaming of roads.

Section 68 under the Local Government Act states that the local authorities may, with the approval of the state government, determine and alter the name of any public place, including roads.

On calls to name more roads after local heroes, Ong said that the ministry will leave it to the local authorities concerned to propose and decide on new or changes to the road names.

Yesterday, several military officials proposed that more roads be named after those who have contributed significantly to the country. They include the 15 deceased Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa or SP medalists; SP is the country's highest award for gallantry in the armed forces.