SEREMBAN: Those calling for Port Dickson's name to be changed to Pantai Dermaga have been urged to reconsider, as the resort town is already globally known as a popular tourism destination.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said that if Port Dickson's name were changed to a local one, then all other towns and places named by British colonialists such as George Town in Penang and Cameron Highlands in Pahang should also be changed.
"When I was born in 1967, it was in a place called Port Dickson. Is there anyone around who can say they were born in Pantai Dermaga," he asked.
The Port Dickson MP was responding to a proposed move by several non-governmental organisations to launch a petition to rename Port Dickson, which was named after British colonial officer Sir John Frederick Dickson.
Dickson was credited with transforming the town into a strategic seaport and railway hub during the late 19th century.
Aminuddin said the NGOs need to approach the matter with an open mind.
"We need to use logic and be open about this. So, if we want to change Port Dickson to Pantai Dermaga, then we ought to change the names of all other places in the country with colonial-era names," he said, adding that the NGOs are free to proceed with their plan.
