Melaka community celebrates legacy of ancestors

MELAKA: It’s a meaningful celebration, which calls for specially made attire.

So businessman Karpal Singh Chawla, who was thrilled to be among those from the minority communities here chosen to be a part of the Malaysia Day celebrations today, ordered a hand-woven “kurta” suit from a boutique in Kuala Lumpur.

He spent a few hundred ringgit on the kurta and two turbans.

Karpal, 53, said that he was excited when he got the news that he would be taking part in the national celebrations in Bandar Hilir here.

“I am grateful that the organiser chose me for this meaningful event. It’s an aspiration for my community,” he said when met during a dry-run of the event on Wednesday.

Karpal explained that the Sikh community had played an important role in policing and in the defence of Malaya, as well as in the development of the country.

“It’s a great honour for us to be selected for the celebration,” he said.

The Baba and Nyonya Association of Malaysia chairman, Ronald Gan, also thanked the organiser for including the community in the memorable occasion.

He said the history of the Peranakan Chinese dated back more than 500 years.

“The community is an important component of our society and our legacy is significant with the Malaysia Day celebration,” he said.

Melaka Tengah OCPD Asst Comm Christopher Patit said three roads would be closed for the celebrations today.

He said Jalan Taman, Jalan Kota and Jalan Parameswara would not be accessible to traffic from 6pm until midnight.

He said 336 police officers would be on duty during the celebrations to keep traffic moving smoothly.

ACP Patit noted that some 20,000 vehicles were expected to enter the city for the celebrations, adding that parking would be allowed at Menara Taming Sari, Melaka Raya and Pahlawan Walk.

“There will be free shuttle bus services from Pulau Melaka to Bandar Hilir,” he said.