Lanterns for Jln Sultan |
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Written by straits-mongrel |
Sunday, 05 February 2012 01:43 |
Perhaps in the not too distant future, if things go as the government desires, a subterranean train line will be running 10 storeys beneath the very foreground of this picture. This view itself may be altered drastically; how much we do not know. What we do know is this portion of Chinatown - a half kilometre stretch of Jalan Sultan - has been earmarked for the MRT development leading towards a proposed terminal very near Stadium Merdeka just up the hill.
Altogether 34 shoplots have been identified as being affected by this development exercise, among them the Yan Keng Benevolent Dramatic Association. Much has been covered by the media since August last year. While nobody questions the necessity of a mass rapid transit in KL, many parties wonder why such a route was drawn, affecting such an important artery feeding the Chinatown district. No prior consultation was made with landowners and the tenants before the draft was finalised - typical of the prevailing Big Government mentality. In its wake, suspicion, frustration and anger towards the authorities who are seen to be heavy-handed in their operations. But the Commoners speak. They will continue to speak, appealing to good sense. This evening, Chap Goh Meh or the 15th day of the Lunar New Year celebrations, a group of civil society activists will be gathering to light lanterns as a continuing effort to save the affected buildings and, by extension, the district. The event will start at 8pm. Do come.
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Last Updated on Sunday, 05 February 2012 02:31 |