Closing down of Jonker Walk not a punishment

Tourism Minister Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz has denied that the Jonker Walk night market has been closed down in order to punish Chinese hawkers who did not support MCA and the government in the May 5 general election.

"It's just an accusation that is not true. I don't think we want to punish (the Chinese). I am an Umno minister and I have nothing personal against the Chinese," he said.

Yesterday, the opposition had accused that the closing down of Jonker Street was a form of political retaliation .

Source:  Closing down of Jonker Walk not a punishment

DAP: Jonker Street market shutdown spites Melaka's interest

KUALA LUMPUR (June 25): DAP National Publicity Secretary has criticised the Melaka government for acting against the state and people’s interest in shutting down the popular Jonker Street weekend night market.

Pua, who is Petaling Jaya Utara MP, described the move as “political vengeance and retaliation” against non-Malays for voting against Barisan Nasional in the recent 13th general election.

This comes as Melaka chief minister Datuk Idris Haron on Monday defended the state government’s decision to close the market as a move that heeds the people’s intentions.

Source:  DAP: Jonker Street market shutdown spites Melaka's interest

UPDATED - Found a post in The Star: Jonker Street must never be shut down, say traders

MALACCA: About 100 traders staged a walkabout in Jonker Street to protest the state government’s decision to shut down the famous weekend Jonker Walk.
Carrying placards written in Chinese, the group gathered at about 9pm on Sunday at a stage near the area.

It had been announced recently that the area would be opened to traffic every day instead of being closed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.

This news item appeared out of the blue. I couldn't find any mention in the MSM media. It appears that these politicians are putting on a show again aka 'sandiwara'. Again, this is another reason why I have such low regards to these people. They act according what the crowd wants. Often, they take on 'good guy' or 'bad guy' roles.

Nonetheless, it's almost always Chinese bashing. Sometimes, for variety, they would throw in religion. After years of this, wouldn't you think that people, especially the Chinese, are getting sick of it? Do they really think it is fun? I seriously suggest that they find other things to act out their silly plays. It's really getting old.

If this continues, something is going to snap and the Chinese will be the victims. Again.

To the politicians, both BN & PR & others, please be mindful of your actions and words. Sustained racial bashing and hate mongering is not so easily reversed. 

Malaysians, please do not let yourselves to be used by politicians. End of the day, it is always the people who will pay for their politicians' follies.

Just look at what you've already done to the Chinese. 

They are already pushed into a corner, all 90% of them, DAP's and PR's corner. Tell me, how is it good for one community to be pushed into supporting one political party?

At the same time, Malays are encouraged to hate the Chinese. Punish the Chinese. Discriminate against Chinese.

I don't buy all those reasons they give. It was a concerted and planned effort. And they know it!