George Town, Malacca is Unesco World Heritage sites

George Town, Malacca is  Unesco World Heritage sites. Heritage is not a matter of politics. Heritage, culture and the arts are matters pertaining to nationhood. As such, we hope that the state government will be more spirited and expend a little for activities pertaining to heritage, culture and the arts.

Do not argue about Unesco World Heritage sites. What is desirable by certain peopole (high ranking) behind the issue?

Melaka and George Town, historic cities of the Straits of Malacca, are renowned for their multicultural heritage. These ports were located at a strategic position for the 15th - 18th century trade between Europe and Asia. Their culture and townscapes further evolved after being colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British.

Melaka was founded by Parameswara (or Raja Iskandar) the last Malay ruler of Temasik (ancient Singapore) in 1396 when he and his followers retreated up the straits to Muar, then to Sungai Ujung before settling at Bertam near the estuary of Melaka River.

In George Town, the historic city centre has been named a WHS. Melaka has two designated areas: St. Paul's Hill and the Historic Residential and Commercial Zone. The latter holds over 600 shophouses and town houses. 

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. This is embodied in an international treaty called the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, adopted by UNESCO in 1972.

UNESCO's World Heritage mission is to:

• encourage countries to sign the World Heritage Convention and to ensure the protection of their natural and cultural heritage;
• encourage States Parties to the Convention to nominate sites within their national territory for inclusion on the World Heritage List;
• encourage States Parties to establish management plans and set up reporting systems on the state of conservation of their World Heritage sites;
• help States Parties safeguard World Heritage properties by providing technical assistance and professional training;
• provide emergency assistance for World Heritage sites in immediate danger;
• support States Parties' public awareness-building activities for World Heritage conservation;
• encourage participation of the local population in the preservation of their cultural and natural heritage;
• encourage international cooperation in the conservation of our world's cultural and natural heritage. 

The World Heritage Committee, the main body in charge of the implementation of the Convention, has developed precise criteria for the inscription of properties on the World Heritage List and for the provision of international assistance under the World Heritage Fund.

These are all included in a document entitled 'Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention'. This document has been revised by the Committee to reflect new concepts, knowledge or experiences

While the goal of the UNESCO World Heritage Site project is to recognize and protect significant sites worldwide, most parks benefit only in increased recognition and worldwide awareness as a place of importance. Unless a park or preserve is established the World Heritage Fund monies that would not otherwise be established, the designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is mostly a feather in the cap for sites that are already protected.