Locate bazaar elsewhere
The historical identity of the country's landmarks must be preserved
THIS newspaper was at the forefront recording Malaya’s most momentous occasion back in 1957 when it bore witness to the lowering of the Union Flag in all historic splendour before the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Equally gilded is the sprawling green field that is Dataran Merdeka, on which stands one of the tallest flagpole in the world, with the Jalur Gemilang hoisted to billow proudly for all to see. But these landmarks of national pride are potentially in danger of losing its heritage sheen from the Bazaar Ramadan to be located along the 200m stretch of Jalan Raja, which is sandwiched between the iconic building and field. It will undoubtedly throw the area’s heritage status and image into confusion. Other than cleanliness and overcrowding, institutionalising commerce can be damaging.
Many have questioned the wisdom of relocating the bazaar from its current site at Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman (TAR). Deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk Dr Shahruddin Md Salleh had informed the Dewan Rakyat last week that the relocation was necessary as Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) received numerous complaints from shop owners on traffic congestion and indiscriminate garbage dumping at Jalan TAR, which will undergo a one-month trial as a pedestrian zone beginning tomorrow. Adding to the concerns was KL Mayor Datuk Nor Hisham Dahlan's explanation that there would not be a full closure of Jalan Raja throughout the baazar’s operation — the road would be partially opened for cars to drive through. Despite assurances of public safety, a bazaar will always be a crowd-puller, but frenzied commerce for a sustained period shall only obscure the appreciation of a towering symbol of nationhood. Understandably, all manner of expos have showed up on this most pictured zone. But these were fleeting, and the next day traffic would resume in harmony, serenaded by the past splashed across a fabled facade.
Sell and shop, we must. Hours and minutes to the breaking of fast have long drawn, not just Muslims, to Bazaar Ramadan. It’s a brilliant idea; Malaysians, and tourists too, will love this idea but it’s in the wrong location. Here is where the Tourism, Culture and Arts Ministry must be bold enough to champion its cause, instead of confining itself to mere bureaucracy of jurisdiction. Citing the boundaries of Jalan Raja as a reason which negated interference is a tired excuse. There needs to be strong enforcement, laws or conscience to safeguard public interest concerning the protection of a nation’s historical heritage.
There are many examples the world over of historic or heritage preservation, an endeavour that seeks to preserve, conserve and protect buildings, objects, landscapes or other artifacts of historical significance. For instance, in the city of Venice, its regional, municipal and provincial levels employ comprehensive planning tools to preserve cultural, historical and architectural heritage, and regulation on urban fabric development, among others. As a heritage in its own class, the NST by all means, understands that the sanctity of such a legacy and its sentiments should be unequivocally preserved.
Many have questioned the wisdom of relocating the bazaar from its current site.