The food court way to forge unity
KUALA LUMPUR: This writer had the chance to share a table with a senior citizen whilst having breakfast recently at Warung Ah Kow at the food court in Jalan Raja Muda Musa, Kampung Baru, here.
“We only have one problem, people are so busy with their own affairs that they don’t want to talk (to each other). How to get close?” he lamented.
Introducing himself as Pak Syukur, he said people these days preferred to enjoy themselves in the world of the Internet than in the real world.
Whilst relishing the curry noodles from Warung Ah Kow, he said: “For instance, when we come to a place like this (food court) if we are alone why can’t we share a table with other people who are also eating alone?”
He felt that sharing a table was the best way to start a conversation with total strangers.
And it is through conversation that closer ties can be established among the people.
At this particular food court in Kampung Baru, it is not uncommon to see strangers sharing a table, regardless of race, skin colour, culture, religion or language of the people they are sharing the table with.
According to Pak Syukur, what made Malaysia unique compared with other countries was its multiracial element.
The cross- cultural harmony that has been maintained over the years is something our current and future generations should always cherish, he mused.
To me, Pak Syukur’s words did ring true.
I have faithfully patronised this food court for several years and have had the opportunity to learn to be streetwise through my interactions with other patrons here with whom I happened to share a table.
I still remember clearly my conversation with Uncle Tambirajh who told me how he managed his family, finances and emotions.
He was a lorry driver and did not earn much but still managed to ensure his family lived comfortably.
Then, there was Wong and his wife who spoke to me about their children’s academic pursuits.
This couple felt that what mattered was not just a person’s academic achievement but also their ability to stay connected to their emotional selves so that they do not lose sight of their human qualities.
On one occasion, I shared a table with a group of male nurses from Hospital Kuala Lumpur and our conversation centred on the responsibilities of children whose parents are lying ill in the hospital.
Somehow that got me reflecting on how I treat my parents.
I also recall sitting at the same table with an ex- alcoholic who told me his life story.
He used to be very well- off and led a good life but his bad habit messed up his life and drove his family away from him.
As for the question of how this country has managed to remain harmonious for decades, the answer can be found in this very food court in Kampung Baru.
My favourite corner is the area where the Malay, Chinese and Indian stalls are located side by side.
Kedai Makan Kasim serves traditional Indian delights like tose, vadai, puri and uttapam.
Gerai Ah Kow, which has been operating here for the last 47 years, is well-known for its Hainanese chicken rice and mi kari laksa, while the stall, Asam Pedas Pak Aji, dishes out appetising Malay fare such as nasi lemak, asam pedas and nasi berlauk.
These three stall operators share a close relationship and have no qualms about helping their customers to order food from their competitor’s stall.
It is not unusual to hear Ishak Kasim, owner of Asam Pedas Pak Aji, calling out, “’Anneh’ (which means elder brother in Tamil), can you bring a ‘rawa tose’ for this brother here?”
Another food court depicting the spirit of unity and which I enjoy patronising is Medan Selera Tanglin located at Jalan Cenderasari, near the Perdana Botanical Garden in Kuala Lumpur.
Medan Selera Tanglin and Medan Selera Kampung Baru share similar scenarios.
You can see people of different races sharing tables and chatting amicably whilst tucking into their meals.
And there are always some buskers to entertain them with some Malay classic tunes.
One of the stalls in Medan Selera Tanglin is known for its excellent nasi lemak and people would queue up for it in the morning.
Come mid- day, the lunch crowd would make a beeline for the grilled fish available at the Ikan Bakar Pak Din stall.
Marketing executive Yap Bee Hua, who regularly patronises the food court, has this to say, “The atmosphere here makes me happy. The food here is tasty too.” — Bernama