Jonker Walk - close or open? MCA or DAP?

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Jonker Walk: Small protests but business as usual at tourist spot

MALACCA: It was business as usual Friday night at the iconic Jonker Walk night market despite the new ruling to allow cars in.

Motorists were diverted from entering the tourist spot at 5pm by traffic policemen and officers from the Malacca Historic City Council.

Other motorists were turned away by a small protests staged by the MCA and DAP, with some shouting “Save Jonker Walk” and holding placards.

Traders and hawkers opened their stalls as usual. Others formed a human barricade to prevent motorists from using the pedestrian mall.

The council's officers also refrained from taking action against the traders and kept watch from a distance.

A brief stand-off came as leaders from the political parties claimed credit of trying to save Jonker Walk.

“Where was DAP 13 years ago, you're the first to oppose when Jonker made its debut,” shouted an MCA leader.

A pandemonium was triggered when several traders shouted at motorists who had parked their vehicles during operating hours.

The situation eased when Kota Melaka MCA Youth deputy chief Dr Yee Kok Wah was seen directing cars out of the area.

DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang delivered a speech at a makeshift stage.

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Jonker Walk: Don't turn it into Jonker Highway, says Nazri Aziz

KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz wants the entire stretch of the Jonker Walk night market to be closed to traffic.

"It's called Jonker Walk so pedestrians walk not only was on sidewalks, but also on the road itself.

"There's no reason to rethink this after 13 years. Jonker Walk has been around for 13 years and it's not going to be beneficial if it's open to vehicles.

"I've met with the Chief Minister (Datuk Idris Haron), he said it was a trial run as there were requests for the roads to be open to traffic.

"However, after four weeks (of trial period), I hope it will be closed. Jonker Walk is a Malacca must-see. Don't play the blame game if tourists no longer visit Jonker Walk after it is open to traffic," he said.

Looks like the circus is in town. Is this the way we do things from now on? It's like there's a certain formula they subscribe to. Here's the steps:

1. Raise an issue. Sometimes out of the blue. Popular choices are race, religion and education.
2. The 'bad guy' talks tough with supporters cheering him on.
3. 'Good guy' (sometimes two) comes out with guns blazing, defending the poor 'victims'.
4. Protest! Publicity!
5. The 'bad guy' gives some lame excuse. Popular examples are 'misquoted', 'misunderstanding', 'denial' or 'conspiracy', etc.
6. 'Good guy' becomes hero. 'Victims' show appreciation via testimonial in the mass media.
7. After 100 days, people forget.
8. Go to number 1 and repeat cycle.

It's like watching reruns.

I mean seriously, if there's really a traffic problem, then work it out and come up with a solution. Don't tell me the previous CM didn't discover this traffic problem after more than 10 years. And this new CM, on his first day of work, arrived late because he couldn't take the faster route through Jonker Street? So the next day, he decided to open the road to traffic and he was punctual ever since...

But isn't Jonker Street closed to traffic at night for the night market?

Anyway, it seems quite popular among locals and tourists. Check out what travellers have to say on Trip Advisor.