By CS Team News Desk | 19 September 2025
KUALA LUMPUR – As Malaysia's towering symbol of independence, Merdeka 118, finally pierces the skyline after years of anticipation, a new controversy has emerged: the prominent "Maybank" signage emblazoned at its pinnacle. What was meant to be a beacon of national achievement has sparked online fury, with critics decrying the corporate branding as a "marring" of the tower's majestic, patriotic silhouette.
The backlash ignited on social media platform Threads, where eagle-eyed users first spotted the gold lettering glowing against the night sky. "Why slap a bank logo on our symbol of Merdeka? It feels like selling out our heritage," one user lamented, echoing sentiments from a growing chorus of netizens. The tower, standing at 678.9 meters as the world's second-tallest building and Southeast Asia's tallest, was designed to evoke Tunku Abdul Rahman's iconic raised hand proclaiming independence in 1957. For many, the Maybank name detracts from that solemn symbolism.
The Root of the Rage: A Symbol Tarnished?
Merdeka 118, developed by state-owned Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), represents more than architectural prowess—it's a tribute to Malaysia's journey toward sovereignty. Completed in 2023 but only recently fully operational, the skyscraper houses Grade-A offices, a luxury Park Hyatt hotel, and the 118 Mall, all framed by urban parks and connected to the Merdeka MRT station. Its sleek, hand-inspired facade, clad in over 18,000 glass panels, was envisioned as a timeless landmark, much like the Petronas Twin Towers.
Yet, as Maybank prepares to relocate its headquarters to the tower in Q2 2026, the bank's anchor tenancy—spanning 33 floors and 650,000 square feet—comes with perks: naming and signage rights. This agreement, inked in 2022 for a 21-year lease at an initial RM10.60 per square foot, allows the nation's largest bank to prominently display its logo. Maybank's Group President and CEO Datuk Khairussaleh Ramli hailed the move as a boost to "brand visibility on one of the tallest buildings in the world," aligning with the bank's sustainability goals in a LEED Platinum-certified structure.
Critics, however, draw stark comparisons to the Petronas Twin Towers. "Petronas owns KLCC but doesn't plaster its name all over it—why can't we keep Merdeka 118 pure?" one Threads user posted, a view amplified across X (formerly Twitter). On X, users like @facktura questioned the signage's evolution, noting reports of it shifting from bright yellow to a subtler greyscale, sparking debates on whether it's a response to public outcry. Another post quipped, "Merdeka 118 today, Maybank 118 tomorrow?" highlighting fears that corporate influence could overshadow national identity.
The uproar isn't isolated. Social media threads have racked up hundreds of shares, with some users sharing side-by-side photos of the tower's pristine daytime views versus its lit-up, logo-adorned nights. "It's like putting a McDonald's sign on the Eiffel Tower," one commenter joked, underscoring the perceived clash between commerce and culture.
Maybank's Perspective: Business as Usual?
For Maybank, the signage is a strategic win. The relocation from its aging Menara Maybank in Jalan Tun Perak—built in the 1980s and now slated for repurposing—supports hybrid work models for 5,900 employees while cutting upgrade costs on the old HQ. "This enhances our global brand position," Khairussaleh stated during the 2022 signing ceremony, emphasizing the tower's MSC status and green credentials. PNB, Maybank's largest shareholder, views the partnership as a blueprint for sustainable urban development.
Not everyone is fuming, though. A Threads user who works in the building admitted, "I didn't even notice the signage despite being there daily—it's not that big a deal." Others point out practicalities: anchor tenants often secure such rights in mega-projects worldwide, from Hudson Yards in New York to The Shard in London.
Broader Implications: Heritage vs. Modernity in Malaysia's Skyline
This spat taps into larger tensions in Malaysia's urban evolution. As Kuala Lumpur races to rival global cities, icons like Merdeka 118 must balance tourism, investment, and identity. The tower's delays—halted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020—already tested public patience, and now this branding debate risks souring its debut.
PNB and Maybank have yet to respond to the online storm, but with the move just months away, calls for a redesign—perhaps a more subtle integration of the logo—grow louder. As one online user put it, "Merdeka means freedom—let's keep our landmarks free from ads."
For now, the "Maybank 118" moniker lingers in digital discourse, a reminder that even steel and glass can stir the soul. Will public pressure prompt a tweak, or will corporate glow prevail? Only time—and perhaps a poll on Threads—will tell.
