Bersatu MP questions alleged removal of Vision 2020 plaque

Summary

• Bersatu’s Wan Saiful Wan Jan questioned the removal of the Vision 2020 time capsule plaque at KL Tower, suggesting it may reflect an attempt to erase Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s legacy.

• The new tower concessionaire said the plaque was removed for safety and corporate compliance reasons, and assured it is being preserved, not discarded.

Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan questioned the government’s intentions after a plaque marking the location of the Vision 2020 time capsule at KL Tower was allegedly removed.

The Bersatu supreme council member urged Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil to clarify why the plaque, which commemorates an event officiated by then-prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, was taken down.

“The plaque and its location commemorate a historical event that should be appreciated and preserved - the placing of the time capsule by Mahathir.

“Is this government trying to deny Mahathir’s role? Are they attempting to erase part of our national history and replace it with another version?” he questioned in a statement today.

The time capsule, which has been stored since Oct 1, 1996, and opened by Mahathir on April 13 this year, contains selected items buried as part of the Vision 2020 campaign.

Wan Saiful pointed to contrasting efforts in Alor Setar, where the city council is working to restore a mural of Mahathir.

“The mural, painted in 2015, had been damaged and is being temporarily removed for repairs. However, the council has made it clear the mural will be improved, not erased,” he said.

He further claimed that for the past 30 years, former KL Tower concessionaire MKL Sdn Bhd had taken care of the site’s historical elements.

However, Wan Saiful alleged that after the government transferred the concession to Lim Seong Hai Group this year, the time capsule plaque was removed within weeks.

“The time capsule at Menara Kuala Lumpur is not just a physical symbol - it represents aspirations, struggles, and national identity that should be preserved for future generations.

“The removal of the plaque raises questions about the current government’s real agenda,” he added.

Empty chamber posed injury risk

In a statement later, the new concessionaire LSH Service Master Sdn Bhd (LSHSM) clarified that the plaque was removed for safety reasons.

It explained that the plaque was originally a cover for a special chamber housing the time capsule, but it no longer serves its purpose after Mahathir opened it.

“After the time capsule was opened, the plaque area was left empty. The plaque structure could no longer be securely closed as before, posing a risk of injury to visitors passing by the area.

“Therefore, it was removed for safety reasons, in line with the management’s priority to ensure the well-being of all visitors,” it said in a statement today.

In addition, the plaque featured the old KL Tower corporate logo, which can no longer be displayed by the new management company. Putting the plaque away was part of an effort to comply with new corporate identity guidelines.

The company also stated that the plaque is being stored properly, and not destroyed or discarded as alleged.

“We wish to emphasise that there is no intention to erase or alter the nation’s history. All actions taken were based on safety considerations, corporate compliance, and a commitment to preserving the legacy of Kuala Lumpur Tower,” said LSHSM CEO Khairil Faizal Othman.

Malaysiakini has contacted the Communications Ministry for comment.

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