The permission to construct and install the metal arch structure across the entry to the main bridge at Jln. Tunku Mohd Jiwa or Jln. Pekan Melayu (old name)tonight (30-12-2008) at 11.00pm is so significant for the people of Kedah. For the people of the city of Alor Star it reminds everyone of us and the younger generation of Kedahans to recall the historical fact that Chinese and Malay settlers who live here have been living peacefully together during the early years of the 17th century.
DAP Kedah had always being trying very hard to remind the government especially MCA and Gerakan to be wary of BN policy, why? In 2007, the people have highlighted this issue, but were ignored for the need to preserve the heritage and reminding the history of the early Chinese arrival in this small part of Alor Star, because of the “Ketuanan“ mentality.
The fitting of the arch structure are being witnessed by the State Senior exco YB Dato Phahrolradzi, exco YB Tan Wei Su, exco YB Dr. Ismail, YB Tan Ju Long and myself.
Why I said that this arch is significant? If we were to think back, under the “Ketuanan” mentality of the BN government for the past 51 long years, none of the MCA nor Gerakan representative dare to request, not to mention construct and install the arch, from the previous state government. The purpose is to give this small part of the city of Alor Star a bit of a “China Town” look, just to recognize and appreciate the contribution of the Chinese Society in early years of Alor Star. We see a few road names already being changed at the whim and fancies of “Ketuanan” mentality of BN in Alor Star itself. We must not forget that it is here that the Malays and Chinese community had lived harmoniously side by side for more than 150 years already and that’s why we have names like Pekan Melayu and Pekan China side by side. Sad to say, the previous government is trying to erase history by changing road names like Jln. Pengkalan Kapal (now Jln. Tunku Yaacob) and Jln. Pekan Melayu (now Jln. Tunku Mohammad Jiwa), and the name Pekan China was not even promoted. It’s a pity that the heritage buildings of Pekan China in Alor Star and its cultural history was not seriously encouraged.
Tonite, 30th Dec 2008, permission had been given for the installation of this arch marks the beginning of the breakthrough of the PR government in Kedah, in recognising and encouraging the promotion of our multi-ethnic culture and heritage of this belove nation and that this country belongs to everyone. The DAP expect to see the PR state government permiting adding road names in Chinese characters for a few roads in Pekan China. This further helps to contribute to promoting tourism too. DAP will definitely support this positive move for the beautification of both Pekan China and Pekan Melayu develope hawkers centers along Tg. Chali for Chinese, Malays and Indian food haven to build the economy and nite life of Alor Star and local tourism.
The DAP, together with people of Alor Star from all communities, also wish to thank the MB of Kedah, YAB Uztad Azizan B Abdul Razak and the PR government for supporting the move to propose the installation of this arch through the initiative of the Kedah Chinese Assembly Hall, is most applauded. This breakthrough in the “rakyat mentality’of the PR government and not the “Ketuanan Mentality” of the BN government will definitely receive the peoples’ support.
