Pasar Datuk Keramat
Jul 4th, 2007 by Tian
Sensing the general election is at the corner, each division has began to organize preparatory work for party machinery.
Last Friday (29 June) evening, I was asked by Parti Keadilan Rakyat Titiwangsa division to give a talk. Nasir the deputy chief of Titiwangsa division invited to meet the local party members of Kampong Datuk Keramat.
Our members are mostly small traders and vendors in Pasar Datuk Keramat. My talk was on the preparation for general election at the voting station level or in Malay known as UPU (Unit Peti Undi).
Abang Hairi (pix above) is our local ‘taiko’ (big brother). He has been with the party since Reformasi, and he is well respected for defending the rights and welfare of small traders in the market.
He informed that lately business has been tough. Kg Keramat is also undergoing sweeping transformation. The vendors in pasar used to rely on the surrounding urban settlers for livelihood. However rapid development and the “zero-squatters” policy have forced the urban poor out of the area. Consequently, pasar is losing customers by the days.
Further, small businesses are under heavy inflationary pressure. Basic daily consumer goods and transportation buoyed up like balloons.
All these are driving many of them out of business. Expectedly, there has been strong resentment among the genuine hardworking small traders.
Sharif (pix above) is another trader in Pasar Datuk Keramat. He is actually a resident of Kg Berembang. We met in the campaign against the demolition of Kg Berembang.
Sharif has a satay stall in the market. He also supplies satay for catering functions.
Our struggle is not only about canvassing for votes and winning election. My concern is also the disappearing way of life. Kg Datuk Keramat, Kg Baru, Kg Berembang and other traditional settlements will soon vanished from Kuala Lumpur landscape. With crony contractors scrambling for profitable projects in the city, every inch of land will soon be gobbled up.
My visit to Pasar Datuk Keramat was mixed with some degree of melancholy. We must keep up the fight, to preserve Malay cultural heritage in KL.
we live with fear.
we all women can even being taken advantage by barisan MP by making sexist remarks on us
opposition parties will have our votes next election
go go go keadilan!
Well, nobody in Malaysia cares about other ppl, guess that’s why nobody gives a thought about this article….
Dear Tian Chua,
I’m new to your blog but I truly feel good after reading your materials, messages and endeavors..hats off to you for bringing out the issues on dato keramat. My vote is also for the opposition…and to quote what Ling said…Go Go keadilan…