Rapporteur's Report for ICOMOS Malaysia World Heritage Day Open Debate 2018 - 10 Years into the Inscription of Melaka and George Town as World Heritage Sites: The Good, The Bad & The Unintended.

The Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca, Melaka & George Town, have transformed in so many aspects since their inauguration in 2008 as a World Heritage Site (WHS). Much has been done, but in some cases, perhaps a bit much? How has the listing impact these two towns in the past decade, really? Are these cities on the right track? How has the World Heritage Status helped us? An open debate discussing the above matter was held as part of ICOMOS Malaysia’s World Heritage Day celebration on 28 April 2018 at Badan Warisan Malaysia. An appointed provocateur, Prof. Dr. Shuhana Shamsuddin instigated the argument, leaving the subject open to the floor for a casual debate, with a short presentation by Rosli Haji Nor, former General Manager of Melaka World Heritage Office, in the middle of the session.