Celebrating in true Malaysian Spirits

By YIP YOKE TENG From STAR Metro
September 25, 2008

PETALING Jaya Old Town residents demonstrated the true spirit of a multi-racial society when they broke fast and celebrated the Lantern Festival together with Pakatan Rakyat elected representatives recently.With them at the event held at the PJ Old Town Food Court were PJ Selatan MP Hee Loy Sian, Bukit Gasing assemblyman Edward Lee and Taman Medan assemblyman Haniza Talha.


The new leaders also pledged to bring changes to the food court that had lost the shine of its glory days. All together now: Children having a gala time during the procession after breaking fast. They also promised reforms in the administrative systems as they drew attention to the significance of the mooncake, which was used during the Yuan Dynasty to disseminate messages on plans to topple the then oppressive Mongolian government.


"Occasions like this are a good show of the harmonious society peculiar to Malaysia, where people of different races and religions progress together amidst mutual respect and understanding," said Hee.


Hee also called for the release of blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin and the five Hindraf leaders, as well as the abolition of the ISA, the Sedition Act and the Emergency Ordinance to uphold freedom in the country.Haniza said her service centre was working together with the Petaling Jaya City Council to bring about better lives for the hawkers.



Let there be light: (From left) Lee, Haniza and Hee lighting up their lanterns to signify the start of the Buka Puasa and Lantern Festival celebration at the PJ Old Town food court.


"We are working towards issuing as many licences as possible to the hawkers."We understand that all are only trying to make a living, especially in this time when the world faces an economic slowdown and our country cannot avoid its impact," she said.


She said she was also looking into other problems in this older parts of Petaling Jaya, including traffic congestion.


Bukit Gasing assemblyman Edward Lee said he remembered the good old days of tucking into scrumptious local favourites at the food court when he was a child.He said efforts to revive the food court's popularity were underway. Among the issues noted were cleanliness, lighting, traffic flow and licensing."We are meeting with the stake holders to come out with a remedy that will benefit all," he added.