Ayer Kuning An Oasis Of Peace Amid Prevailing 3r Issues

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AYER KUNING POLLS | Amid heightened tensions nationwide over seemingly persistent racial and religious issues, voters in Ayer Kuning appear keen to preserve their own oasis of peace, not yet disturbed by such challenges.
ADSWith neighbourhoods and local favourite food spots often boasting a mix of races co-existing while going about their daily routines, Ayer Kuning is a home to residents with a strong sense of community.
The mutual respect and understanding fostered by residents here was perhaps best explained by Suriati Shairi, 41, a nasi lemak seller who was born and raised in Ayer Kuning.
“Every resident here, even those who are members of political parties, understands that we will have to see each other again, so we don’t cause any disturbances,” she said when met at her humble roadside eatery.
For her and many other voters approached by Malaysiakini, discord over matters such as the relocation of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple at Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur, nearly 170km away, is a distant problem for their community.
But while Suriati proudly proclaims that Ayer Kuning is free of interracial discord, she, however, expressed concerns over how such faraway conflicts could someday poison the local community.
Suriati Shairi“Indian and Chinese people also come to my stall, so it’s sad to see issues (touching on racial and religious sensitivities) happening in other places.
“We’re afraid that (tensions over the matter) will spill over and take root here too,” she said.
Chatting as she handwrapped nasi lemak in packages to be sold throughout the day, the mother of three mused that “outsiders” who visit Ayer Kuning during voting season are the ones who tend to incite unwanted sentiments among the people.
Suriati’s views were shared by one of her customers, Sanuar Kamaruddin, 53, who assured that while Ayer Kuning might occasionally see its fair share of minor disputes, none have developed beyond a point where the area’s social fabric is under threat.
According to analysts, Ayer Kuning’s electorate is made up of 56 percent Malays, 22 percent Chinese, 14 percent Indians and 8 percent Orang Asli.
Political observers had previously predicted that candidates vying for the state seat would attempt to capitalise on the temple issue, with differing political parties expected to leverage on the matter in varying ways.
Sanuar KamaruddinImpact on children
ADSFor housewife Jayamary Anthony Samy, 51, who declined to elaborate at length on the temple issue, the matter has no bearing on the daily activities of the Ayer Kuning community.
“Over here, we’re united. There are no fights, misunderstandings or racial divides.
“Whenever the (Malay) ladies host an aerobics class, they will invite us as well and then we’ll eat nasi lemak together,” she said.
When asked to pose for a photo (above), she opted to do so with her Malay friend to “show unity”.
Speaking to Malaysiakini after trading his wares at a morning market in Kampung Batu Tiga, another voter stressed that more must be done by the government to curb race and faith-related issues.
Observing that such matters seem to have increased exponentially in recent times, Azhar Kalikurahman, 45, said he is worried that future generations might not experience the same peaceful co-existence enjoyed by diverse communities in Malaysia today.
Azhar Kalikurahman“If things don’t change, we won’t feel the effects now, (but) our children will suffer the consequences,” the household goods seller said.
“Their relationships with other races will be strained (and) we don’t want that to happen. We don’t want racial and religious issues to develop to a point where no government can control them.”
When asked for his views on how the government had handled the temple relocation issue, Azhar was quick to say that authorities could have done a better job in easing tensions by explaining that the matter is a “legal and constitutional” concern, rather than a religious one.
Azhar’s insight was echoed by another trader in a different location, who said that as a Muslim, he supports the Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s decision to relocate the temple to make way for the building of a mosque.
As he manned a stall selling fried foods and cold drinks, Abdul Karim Ahmad, 54, opined that while some temples in Ayer Kuning have also been “illegally” built on other people’s land, the issue is not disputed here.
Without going into details, he attributed the lack of complaints to the fact that Ayer Kuning is a state seat under the Tapah parliamentary constituency, which has MIC deputy president M Saravanan as its MP.
“I do worry sometimes that (racial and religious) tensions might reach Ayer Kuning, but (if it does happen) we (Malay Muslims) have our NGOs to defend us, so it’s okay,” he added.
Mixed views
Even among some Indian voters, they were split on their opinions on how the temple relocation issue had played out, with some seeing it fit for the temple to remain at its current location and those who believed it fair for the temple to be moved.
Thavakumari RamakrishnanA proponent of the latter, Thavakumari Ramakrishnan, 60, said she had read in newspapers that the temple did not have a valid grant for the land it occupies. This, she said, justifies action by authorities against it.
“If you know that you are going to (use a site) for prayers, you should buy the land and do it properly, then people cannot disturb you,” she said, stopping to speak briefly after purchasing groceries for her family.
However, fellow senior citizen Letchumy Arumugam, 74, vehemently opposed plans to demolish the temple, expressing indignation over the thought that such works could be done against a place of worship.
“I (Hindus) want to pray, and you (Muslims) also want to pray. Why can’t yours (mosque) be built beside mine (temple)?” she questioned.
Letchumy ArumugamAyer Kuning voters are set to cast their votes on April 26, with Perikatan Nasional fielding Tapah PN chief Abd Muhaimin Malek while BN has opted to put forth Tapah Umno secretary Yusri Bakir.
PSM deputy secretary-general Bawani KS makes up the three-cornered race for the state seat, which was declared vacant following the death of its incumbent assemblyperson, Ishsam Shahruddin, 58, who died of a heart attack on Feb 22. - Mkini

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