<div style="margin: 12px 0px; font-family: arial; color: #333333; background: #ffffff; border: solid 4px #e5e5e5; width: 100%; clear: left;"><div class="CM_CTB_Content_Wrap" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;background-color: #ffffff;"><div style="border-bottom: solid 1px #dcdcdc; white-space: nowrap; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #eeeeee ;background-image: url(http://clipmarks.com/images/source-bg.gif); background-repeat: repeat-x; height: 24px; line-height: 24px; vertical-align: middle; padding-bottom: 4px; color: #666666; font-size: 10px;" ><a href="http://clipmarks.com/clipmark/840202C9-04C6-4E62-92F6-EF46D252645E/" title="go to this clipmark"><img src="http://content.clipmarks.com/blog_embed/757ff01d-cd2b-4bad-adc1-248b80554171/840202C9-04C6-4E62-92F6-EF46D252645E/" alt="" width="19" height="19" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; margin: 0px 4px; display: inline; border: none; float:none;" /></a>clipped from <a title="http://the-lost-colony.blogspot.com/" href="http://the-lost-colony.blogspot.com/" style="font-size: 11px;">the-lost-colony.blogspot.com</a></div><blockquote style="text-align: left; padding: 0px 8px; margin: 4px 0px 8px 0px; background: transparent; border: none;" cite="

http://the-lost-colony.blogspot.com/"><H3><A

href="Mysteries">http://the-lost-colony.blogspot.com/2007/09/mysteries-of-lost-colony-and-new-world.html">Mysteries of the Lost Colony and New World</A> </H3></blockquote><div style="height: 2px; font-size: 2px; background: #dcdcdc; border-bottom: solid 1px #f5f5f5; margin: 2px 4px;"></div><blockquote style="text-align: left; padding: 0px 8px; margin: 4px 0px 8px 0px; background: transparent; border: none;" cite="Mysteries">http://the-lost-colony.blogspot.com/"><EM>Mysteries of the Lost Colony and A New World: England's First View of America from the British Museum </EM></blockquote><div style="height: 2px; font-size: 2px; background: #dcdcdc; border-bottom: solid 1px #f5f5f5; margin: 2px 4px;"></div><blockquote style="text-align: left; padding: 0px 8px; margin: 4px 0px 8px 0px; background: transparent; border: none;" cite="http://the-lost-colony.blogspot.com/"><div align="center"><img src="http://content5.clipmarks.com/blog_cache/the-lost-colony.blogspot.com/img/44A67A2F-2F97-44BB-A508-6B3D8B6ACE04" alt="" /></div></blockquote><div style="height: 2px; font-size: 2px; background: #dcdcdc; border-bottom: solid 1px #f5f5f5; margin: 2px 4px;"></div><blockquote style="text-align: left; padding: 0px 8px; margin: 4px 0px 8px 0px; background: transparent; border: none;" cite="http://the-lost-colony.blogspot.com/"><div align="center"><img src="http://content1.clipmarks.com/blog_cache/the-lost-colony.blogspot.com/img/8972B5AF-1557-469E-B6B6-1C6C1F3C14FB" alt="" /></div></blockquote><div style="height: 2px; font-size: 2px; background: #dcdcdc; border-bottom: solid 1px #f5f5f5; margin: 2px 4px;"></div><blockquote style="text-align: left; padding: 0px 8px; margin: 4px 0px 8px 0px; background: transparent; border: none;" cite="

<div style="margin: 12px 0px; font-family: arial; color: #333333; background: #ffffff; border: solid 4px #e5e5e5; width: 100%; clear: left;"><div class="CM_CTB_Content_Wrap" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;background-color: #ffffff;"><div style="border-bottom: solid 1px #dcdcdc; white-space: nowrap; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #eeeeee ;background-image: url(http://clipmarks.com/images/source-bg.gif); background-repeat: repeat-x; height: 24px; line-height: 24px; vertical-align: middle; padding-bottom: 4px; color: #666666; font-size: 10px;" ><a href="http://clipmarks.com/clipmark/B6CDF609-E875-4338-9328-9484B8A88BD1/" title="go to this clipmark"><img src="http://content.clipmarks.com/blog_embed/95e9b91f-575c-4013-8873-7237ab18c13e/B6CDF609-E875-4338-9328-9484B8A88BD1/" alt="" width="19" height="19" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; margin: 0px 4px; display: inline; border: none; float:none;" /></a>clipped from <a title="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/north_yorkshire/6906107.stm" href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/north_yorkshire/6906107.stm" style="font-size: 11px;">news.bbc.co.uk</a></div><blockquote style="text-align: left; padding: 0px 8px; margin: 4px 0px 8px 0px; background: transparent; border: none;" cite="The">http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/north_yorkshire/6906107.stm">The most important Viking treasure find in Britain for 150 years has been unearthed by a father and son</blockquote><div style="height: 2px; font-size: 2px; background: #dcdcdc; border-bottom: solid 1px #f5f5f5; margin: 2px 4px;"></div><blockquote style="text-align: left; padding: 0px 8px; margin: 4px 0px 8px 0px; background: transparent; border: none;" cite="in">http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/north_yorkshire/6906107.stm">in Yorkshire</blockquote><div style="height: 2px; font-size: 2px; background: #dcdcdc; border-bottom: solid 1px #f5f5f5; margin: 2px 4px;"></div><blockquote style="text-align: left; padding: 0px 8px; margin: 4px 0px 8px 0px; background: transparent; border: none;" cite="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/north_yorkshire/6906107.stm"><div align="center"><img src="http://content104489.clipmarks.com/blog_cache/news.bbc.co.uk/img/329F6405-F99B-4043-9667-37620051E5DD" alt="" /></div></blockquote><div style="height: 2px; font-size: 2px; background: #dcdcdc; border-bottom: solid 1px #f5f5f5; margin: 2px 4px;"></div><blockquote style="text-align: left; padding: 0px 8px; margin: 4px 0px 8px 0px; background: transparent; border: none;" cite="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/north_yorkshire/6906107.stm"><FONT size="2">The pair kept their find intact and it was transferred to the British Museum to be examined by experts, who said the discovery was "phenomenal".
</FONT></blockquote><div style="height: 2px; font-size: 2px; background: #dcdcdc; border-bottom: solid 1px #f5f5f5; margin: 2px 4px;"></div><blockquote style="text-align: left; padding: 0px 8px; margin: 4px 0px 8px 0px; background: transparent; border: none;" cite="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/north_yorkshire/6906107.stm"><FONT size="2">The pair, from Leeds, said the hoard was worth about £750,000 as a conservative estimate.
</FONT></blockquote><div style="height: 2px; font-size: 2px; background: #dcdcdc; border-bottom: solid 1px #f5f5f5; margin: 2px 4px;"></div><blockquote style="text-align: left; padding: 0px 8px; margin: 4px 0px 8px 0px; background: transparent; border: none;" cite="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/north_yorkshire/6906107.stm"><FONT size="2">The ancient objects come from as far afield as Afghanistan in the East and Ireland in the West, as well as Russia, Scandinavia and continental Europe.
</FONT></blockquote><div style="height: 2px; font-size: 2px; background: #dcdcdc; border-bottom: solid 1px #f5f5f5; margin: 2px 4px;"></div><blockquote style="text-align: left; padding: 0px 8px; margin: 4px 0px 8px 0px; background: transparent; border: none;" cite="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/north_yorkshire/6906107.stm"><FONT size="2">The hoard contains 617 silver coins and 65 other objects, including a gold arm-ring and a gilt silver vessel.
</FONT></blockquote><div style="height: 2px; font-size: 2px; background: #dcdcdc; border-bottom: solid 1px #f5f5f5; margin: 2px 4px;"></div><blockquote style="text-align: left; padding: 0px 8px; margin: 4px 0px 8px 0px; background: transparent; border: none;" cite="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/north_yorkshire/6906107.stm"><FONT size="2">Dr Jonathan Williams, keeper of prehistory in Europe at the British Museum, said: "[The cup] is beautifully decorated and was made in France or Germany at around AD900.
</FONT></blockquote><div style="height: 2px; font-size: 2px; background: #dcdcdc; border-bottom: solid 1px #f5f5f5; margin: 2px 4px;"></div><blockquote style="text-align: left; padding: 0px 8px; margin: 4px 0px 8px 0px; background: transparent; border: none;" cite="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/north_yorkshire/6906107.stm"><FONT size="2">A spokeswoman for the museum said: "The size and quality of the hoard is remarkable, making it the most important find of its type in Britain for over 150 years."
</FONT></blockquote></div><div style="margin: 0px 6px 6px 4px;"><table style="font-size: 11px;border-spacing: 0px;padding: 0px;" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tr><td style="background:transparent;border-width:0px;padding:0px;">&nbsp;</td><td align="right" style="background:transparent;border-width:0px;padding:0px;width:107px" width="107"><a href="http://clipmarks.com/share/B6CDF609-E875-4338-9328-9484B8A88BD1/blog/" title="blog or email this clip"><img src="http://content104490.clipmarks.com/images/c2b-foot.png" border="0" alt="blog it" width="107" height="17" style="border-width:0px;padding:0px;margin:0px;" /></a></td></tr></table></div></div> 

 

This one gift is a life-long reminder of you

Parker 61

CAPILLARY PEN

When the occasion calls fro a memorable gift……one that does honour to the giver as well…… the overwhelming choice is a Parker 61 pen. For the parker 61 has become the symbol of personal achievement…. Possessing it proclaims its owner’s discrimination and good judgment, giving it, an expression of your admiration. This is an entirely new kind of pen, the most significant advance in writing instrument design. It is, indeed, a pen most worthy of the few really important gift occasions in one’s life.

THE PARKER PEN COMPANY

Marker of the World’s Most Wanted Pens

JANESVILLE, WISCONSIN, U.S.A.

 

How times fly!

 

The much awaited Holland Days in Malacca which commenced officially on the 2^nd Sept.; jointly opened by our Melaka Chief Minister YAB Datuk Seri Mohd Ali bin Rustam and His Excellency Mr Lody Embrechts, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is coming to close today. Only VOC exhibitions at the Melaka conservation Center would still be open throughout this month of September. Most certainly, it had indeed left behind many wonderful memories for visitors of Melaka during this period from within and without this historical city enriched with 600 years of World Shared Heritage

 

Holland, ( with both the North and South Holland province inclusive ) which in turn form part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands have indeed had touch the many hearts and lives of the people in Melaka now ( in particular during this Holland Days ) and then during their occupation of Melaka through the Dutch East Indies Company ( VOC ) between 1641-1824.

 

Scores of visitor have never failed to stop to occupy the Malacca Dutch Square area, adjacent to the Stadthuys – our Dutch Municipal Hall and the oldest Dutch building known in the Far East everyday during the last one memorable week. Not to mention visitors stepping into the Melaka Conservation Center nearby astonished by the sheer grandeur of various Dutch VOC -Melaka related exhibits.

 

Visitors are either seen having photographs taken with those beautifully designed EU cows, test-driving the Renault F1 simulator car, men buying beautiful tulips for their love ones, others seen patronizing various booths set up to grace this historic occasion. Tulips, Lipton Tea, ING, TNT etc. these name would forever contain a special part of our memory; having visited, participated and or organized in any way in this possibly not once in a life time occasion for us all.

 

Strange as it may seemed to some that why must we organized such an event which “glorify” the once Colonized Ruler of our Motherland. Must we not be proud of our own culture and heritage instead? How true!

 

Personally, when we do not intend to look back and evaluate events of the yesteryear, be it the goods, the bad and the ugly side of history; how sure are we that we would never fell into this “calamity” of colonization again? At least from the mental point of view!

 

Are we not already being ‘blindly’ colonized duplicating many Western or even other Eastern cultures? The present tangibles like IT, computers, blogging, those hamburgers we eat, handphones we call our distance love ones; those intangibles like Western music of hiphop, street dance, fashions and language we converse, not to mention knowledge gain in foreign universities etc. etc.

 

The past must have been bitter and painful to swallow for our patriotic Malacca people at large; likewise for the Dutch too much later in 1940 when within 5 days they were forced to lay down their arms in wake of the mighty German Nazis during the 2^nd world War. Nevertheless it was this past occurrences that must have made these Dutch people experts and determined in thriving in a small country like the Netherlands; with the lowest point is an area within the town of Nieuwerkerk aan de Ijssel, which is 6.74 meters below the sea level; failing of which two-thirds of the Netherlands would be flooded.

 

Have we ever wonder amongst the very first thing the daily Dutch people thrive for was to constantly keep their feet dry? How true!

 

Instead, what do we Malaysian thrive for the moment we open our eyes to greet the Eastern sun? Is it not Peace and Harmony amidst Diversity?  If we could not thrive to live with the 600 years of World Shared Heritage snowballed thus far; where the ‘mighty’ American only has less than 300 years of history; please do not blame others but we our own selves when we could not compete, excel to hold our heads high to the rest of the world!

 

To me, the Holland Days in Malacca had certainly played a significant role in the history of mankind. It has brought together 2 parties whom at one time in history was friends, foe alike together, even closer now for the betterment of future mankind. Given a chance each would most certainly wanted to make good the relationships through further better understandings of the other. What other better time than NOW?

 

This historic week in Malacca, other than normal laymen and visitors from afar; what a relieve to have seen many local students and even students from the International School of Kuala Lumpur ( ISKL) , students from Singapore visited the Melaka Conservation Center at Jalan Laksamana; where Exhibition on Dutch East India Company (VOC) and the Dutch-Melaka Numismatic Cultural Heritage were on display.

 

The history of the VOC and the historical development of the currency of Melaka-Portuguese-Dutch-British era must have had immense bearing in many of our visitors’ mind.

 

These lovely children whom shall form the future backbone of our mankind would remember forever having visited the Holland Days in Malacca 2007 hence the Peace and Harmony amidst Diversity it promotes.

 

ING is the title sponsor of two-time world champion, the ING Renault F1 Team.

ING is partnering the Renault F1 Team because Formula 1 stands for high performance and a winning formula; a recipe for success that is shared by both ING and Renault.

Are you an avid F1 fan?

Then, take this challenge and experience the thrill of the F1 with ING.

In conjunction with the 2007 F1 Grand Prix, ING Malaysia is bringing the F1 Fever Roadshow and the ING Renault F1 simulator car to several parts of Malaysia. Currently these teams of personnel are in Malacca Dutch Square for the Holland Days in Malacca exhibitions ( from 2^nd to 9^th Sept.07 ). This provides a great opportunity for all to see the simulator car and be part of the ING Malaysia F1 challenge.

All you need to do is participate in the ING Fast lap Challenge where you will need to complete the F1 race simulation with the fastest lap time.

The participants with the fastest lap time from each day will receive exclusive ING F1 merchandise.

Each participant in the ING Fast Lap Challenge will not walk away empty as everyone will receive F1 freebies. 

Got up pretty early at 6.30 am this morning and before anything else sms a “wake up call” message to Jason. Met up at MAM at 8.30am and proceed straight to the Town Council Exhibition Hall with bags full of coins and laminated copies of data…….

 

4 numbers of empty 4 ft x 4 ft display cabinet were waiting for us there where it took us approximately 30 minutes and it’s all done. Not bad at all!

 

We proceeded to the Dutch Square where His Excellency the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Lody  Embrechts had already arrived. His Excellency commented personally to Jason on MAM www.maritime.emalacca.com ‘s contributions towards this Holland Days and He mentioned again TWICE during his speech soon after. He cited the 27 cows displayed during Holland Days were to represent the 27 members of the European Union ( E.U. ) where the Netherlands acted as the transit point to these EU nations and a center of agriculture excellent.

 

Before our Chief Minister YAB Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Bin Rustam declared opened the Holland Days exhibition; he touched on a few historical evident relating to Melaka Malay Sultanate, Johor Sultanate and Dutch VOC. In particular the Dutch expanded their influence in the Far East and got the co-operation of the Sultan of Johor to fight jointly Melaka governed by the Portuguese in 1640. The Portuguese finally surrendered to the Dutch in January 1641. For almost 150 years thereafter, the Dutch East India Company ( VOC ) monopolized trade in the Far East via Melaka, with little obstruction from other European powers. Last but not least, CM further encouraged the Dutch Authority to collaborate with Melaysian Government in general and Melaka in particular on agro-based and IT development industries where next year he had hoped that Melaka could send trade delegations and maybe Melaka cows too to the Netherlands instead!

 

Next our CM proceed to the Municipal Exhibition Hall  and upon seeing MAM’s academic reports on Dutch-Melaka Numismatic Cultural Heritage and tin and copper coinage exhibits; he wondered why it wasn’t the governing Museum Authority ( PERZIM) but MAM – a private museum that had prepared this important document? To this our Jason just smiled and presented a VOC tin coin to our CM by saying “it’s our joined efforts with PERZIM too!”

 

When requested by Jason, CM proceeds to signed onto the prepared bunting thanking him for supporting and preserving Melaka’s cultural heritage.

 

After the press conference, CM and guest attended refreshments hosted by the organizers and before he left for other upcoming functions shortly after that.

 

Next, Dutch Deputy Ambassador Mr. Luc Schillings and Melaka City Mayor Datuk Zaini bin Mohd Nor came separately to MAM; expressing satisfaction over our contributions, both in exhibits and documentations towards the Holland Days in Malacca. 

 

On behalf of Maritime Archaeology Museum (MAM), we thank the Melaka Government, under the stewardship of our Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd. Ali bin Rustam, His Excellency the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr Lody Embrechts and his delegation; Melaka City Mayor Datuk Zaini, PERZIM and all other relevant entities for various opportunities granted to MAM towards the Holland Days in Malacca.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

“Whereas, in the course of human history no nation, in order to salvage itself, will ever remain static for a long time. It will be compelled to decide on one of two directions, to go forward or backward.

This depends on the ability and adaptability of that nation in facing changes and developments.

When the people are in a state of complete complacency with their present status they tend to fear anything that may produce changes.

They will suspect any move or anybody who comes out with new ideas or inventions.

But since human history is the history of changes and development of making things better and more perfect, this type of self-satisfied nation will be left further and further and eventually disappear and remain only to be revealed by future historians.

For us we are lucky that our nation is endowed by the grace of God with fortified, courage and dignity. We were once a nation with a great national heritage.

Although the circumstances of our history have changed us from an independent, proud nation to a shameful and subjected one, we have managed to maintain our God-given pride, dignity, justice and indomitable spirit while under colonial rule for more than 400 years.

Let it be known that we, the people of Malaya, are united in our endeavour to achieve independence by constitutional means and today we have fulfilled it.

Therefore in the name of God, the most merciful and the most compassionate, I hereby proclaim on behalf of the people of Malaya that full independence for the Federation of Malaya within the Commonwealth, in accordance with the agreement reached in London, will take effect by august 31, 1957, if God permits.”

Proclamation of Independence at Dataran Pahlawan, Melaka, by the First Prime Minister of Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Alhaj.

From the aforesaid Proclamation, I am of the opinion that Tunku had always wanted an Independent Malaya and later Malaysia for all citizens of this beloved Motherland– irrespective of color, origin, ethnic and religion. Co-existence in Unity in Diversity!

In conjunction with the 50^th celebration of our Merdeka - Independence Day on 31^st August, It is our duty as a Malaysian to continue this Noble Legacy of Tunku by :-

1. Reject, oppose and ignore if you have to Racist Remarks, be it from politicians, NGO, religious groups, community leaders or just anybody; vote them out of office!

2. Do not support political candidates portraying racist identity, regardless whether they are from the present ruling collisions or the opposition party.

3. Reject politics with religion, race, and business which would lead to corrupt practices; be it mind or matter or both.

4. Always upheld the principles laid within our Federal Constitutions as the ultimate “management tool” above race, religion and politic.

5. Seek advice from our fellow Royal Households whom shall always be our source of inspirations and guidance for the betterment of this Heaven on Earth called Malaysia.

 

 

Standing at the light-house staring towards the river mouth of Malacca River; with a deep breath and close both your eyes for mere 2 seconds, actualize the thousands of merchant ships dodging at Malacca waterways……….

The then hustle & bustle of the trading communities along the Malacca river, where it was recalled during the 15^th century, the Malacca Port could cater for 2000 ships where ships up to 200 tonnes could dodged near the Bastion of Middleburg. Those traders from Arab Countries, Chinese, European, Majapahit, South American etc conversed with more than 80 languages to trade; the various currencies, various cultural and ethnic livelihood……….

The dragon contoured Malacca River with blood ever flowing had awakened to another busy day of potential trade amidst to prosper the Malacca people and her visitors then.

Today one could only feel the 'beat' thru The Malacca River cruise – a boat ride to take you upstream towards Morten Village ( Kampung Morten ), the oldest traditional Malay village situated within a “U” turn by the river bank and back to the river mouth with all the ancient architectures, the tangible and intangible livelihood.

One favorite question by visitors to MAM www.maritime.emalacca.com was “What was the secret recipe that made Malaysians of different ethnics and religious background live happily and harmoniously together for the last 50 years?”

My answer was “ In fact we'd already lived harmoniously for the past 600 years by the Melaka ( Malacca ) Riverbanks; though colonized by Portuguese(1511-1641), the Dutch (1641-1824) and British (1824-1957) where we finally gained our Independence in 1957; that had not stopped us from realizing the beauty of living harmoniously together. It was thru this differentiation that we progress, develop and made Malaysia what it is to the world now!”

Today I was told by Bernard, the skipper of the Malacca River Cruise that they company had received directives from the relevant authority to stop operating the Malacca River Cruise that had operated for almost 20 years with no reason given. How sad!

The Malacca River Cruise is set for another change-change for the better SOON to further welcome our ever increasing influx of visitors..........to coincide with the beautification works currently underway to rekindled further the past glorious days of yesteryears..........

 

 

The following were the various feedbacks and proposals from various tourists from within and without, coupled with what I have observed personally after having spent the last 10 months at Maritime Archaeology Museum (MAM) www.maritime.emalacca.com at the Dutch Square area. It is my sincere hope that all past, present and future visitors of Melaka could spare a few minutes to read hence comment, counter-propose or correct the following propositions tabled before we undertake to submit to the relevant Local Authorities for further actions as they deem appropriate:-

1. Public Toilet – Currently the only public toilet is situated behind a shop lot, by the Melaka River bank, along Jalan Laksamana; about 60 meters from the Dutch Square. It is hardly noticeable to passerby. Although hygienic and well maintained, it is far reaching for tourist with emergencies; be it a long or short call. Furthermore, as it is situated behind shop lots; where there were certain degrees of danger with snatch thieves. An alternative would be to set up public toilets within the Tourist Information Center or introduce mobile toilet.

2. Post Box – The nearest post box was located within the Post Office at Dutch Square which were closed on Sundays and specific Saturdays. Worst still, a post box like opening at the entrance to the Youth Museum were always mistaken as the Post Box. There could have been letters and postcards placed within which would never reach their destinations.

3. Public Parking – To station a Municipal Parking Attendance at Dutch Square to direct visitors to various parking lots rather than to impose summons as their welcome gifts…….There is Never a Second Chance to Leave the First Impression!

4. Cleanliness of Melaka River – Continue to deploy workers in sampans (small fishing boats) with fishing nets to remove debris from the river. Those tourists on the ever popular river cruise did not pay to see the polluted Melaka River with debris.

5. Floor Tiles at Dutch Square – Newly paved floor tiles (chocolate in colour ) were highly slippery during rain fall; many tourists fell and injured themselves. I can’t think of any better way than to have them all replaced with ‘safer’ rough surfaced tilling.

6. Tourist Information Centre – Underutilized! I proposed that this informative centre operating hours be extended to midnight; more so during Weekends and eve and Public Holidays to cater to tourist emergency needs. A café with telephone, email services and paramedic within the Tourist Information Centre would be most useful.

7. Cold Drinks Dispenser Machines – Tourist likes cold drinks, especially under the burning sun. Special prized cold (welcome) drinks via dispensers would be a fabulous way to lure the tourists back to Melaka.

8. Newspaper Dispenser Machines – To upgrade our positioning and city image via Newspaper Dispenser Machines; tourist would be kept informed with domestic and global happenings.

9. Metered Taxi Services – the time have come to implement metered taxis as may tourist were still fuming over being short changed by these unscrupulous operators.

10. Resolve baggers, illegal parking attendance – round the clock enforcement to curve the untoward practices.

11. Install traffic lights at pedestrian crossing at Dutch Square – zebra crossing with element of danger. Traffic Police personnel ought to station to facilitate crossings.

12. Deploy mobile tour guides – Train up more school leavers with multi lingual abilities as mobile tourist guides to keep tourist informed with the correct and unilateral historical facts.

13. All trishaws paddlers to wear uniform and shoes with presentable outlook – image building – no smoking!

14. Mobile Police Booth, Horseback or Bicycle Police and Mobile Toilets during peak holidays season at various popular tourist destinations.

15. Current Money Changer premise within vicinity only operate from 9.00am to 5.00 pm during weekdays. During Sundays many tourists could not shop because the said Money Changer outlet is closed. If possible, assign another license Money Changer nearby Dutch Square to avoid monopoly by a single trader.

16. All food stalls should be educated to utilized proper biodegradable/recyclable rapping papers instead of plastic bags or even old newspapers. All utensils to be sterilized and changed regularly.

However, as these proposals might not have been 100% relevant and practical, hence I welcome past, present and future visitors to Melaka, the Local Authorities and any other relevant parties to comment, counter proposed, amend, innovate or come forward with respective ideas deem fit and suitable for the mutual betterment of Melaka Tourism Industry.

The writer can also be reached at melakatoday@gmail.com for further clarifications. Associated MelakaToday Blogshpere:-

www.melakatoday.blogspot.com

www.melakatoday.spaces.live.com

www.melakatoday.blogs.friendster.com

www.picasaweb.google.com/barryng2663

www.barryng2663.blogspot.com

Not forgetting credits and due recognitions must be given to our Local Authority concerned with the introduction of the RM 2/- Melaka City Tour Bus services; and the double-decker as well; there is no looking back…………………………..Caution though I was told that in neighboring Singapore, passengers embarked onto the double-deckers ought to fill up the bottom seats before being allowed to board the upper layer. This is to prevent the double-deckers from overturn due to overweight on the upper floor thus loosing its centre of gravity in particular when approaching corners………

While touching up this proposal yesterday, a lorry was unloading standard wooden stalls meant for those existing petty traders of cendol ( slide ice with coconut sugar - recommended outlet at Jonker Walk www.jonker88.com )and goreng pisang ( fried bananas) located opposite our Museum building. Well done to the relevant bodies! Keep it up!

 

I am profoundly shocked by the news of the brutal and wholly unwarranted German invasion of your Majesty’s country. Not only is this action a defiance of international law and of solemn undertakings, but without any pretense of warning the neutrality so strictly observed by the Netherlands since the outbreak of war has been grossly outraged. I wish to express to your Majesty my disgust at this crime and my admiration for the brave resistance which is being made by the people of the Netherlands under your Majesty’s leadership. In response to the appeal which my Government has received from your Majesty’s Government, the Allies are hastening to the support of your Majesty’s forces. I am confident that our cause will prevail, and that the Netherlands, true to their own history, will still remain the home of free men. In this hour of trial and anxiety I wish to convey to your Majesty and to all your people an expression of the sympathy and admiration for your country which is left by my peoples throughout the world.

A few days after writing this letter to Thomas Stamford Raffles, Sultan Mahmud Syah was taken ill; he died just nine days later, on 14 January 1811. He was destined to be the last full ruler of the empire of Johor, which was founded after the fall of Melaka to the Portuguese in 1511, and had grown to encompass Pahang, Riau and Lingga. In 1824 the Treaty of London divided the Malay world into spheres of British and Dutch influence, separating the Malay peninsula and Singapore from Sumatra and the Riau archipelago, and splitting the kingdom of Johor in two. Thereafter Sultan Mahmud's younger son, Sultan Abdul Rahman ruled in Riau, while his older son Sultan Husain Syah remained in Singapore, where he had been installed by the British as Sultan of Johor. With their splendid illumination, elegant calligraphy, intricate seals and courtly and refined language, the finest Malay letters embody all that is most beautiful in Malay culture, civilization and aesthetics. Indeed, Malay letters offer a glimpse of the complex social and political structure of Malay society, for every element - from the position of the heading and seal to the choice of gorgeous yellow silk envelope - was determined by the relative rank of the correspondents, and the diplomatic importance of the missive. Shown here is a royal Malay letter sent on 9 Zulhijah 1225 (5 January 1811) from Sultan Mahmud Syah of Johor and Pahang to Thomas Stamford Raffles in Melaka. The symmetry of the letter is remarkable: the writing begins and ends unerringly at the same spot in the epicentre of the sheet of paper; the letter-heading is situated exactly in the centre above the main text; and together, the two text blocks form a perfect square. The stunning calligraphy, exquisite illumination and eloquent phrasing make this one of the most beautiful Malay letters known.

 

 

Dutch Heritage Melaka

The first relations between Malaysia and the Netherlands date back about 400 years ago when Admiral Cornelis Matelieff de Jonge of the Dutch East Indies Company ( V.O.C.) signed a treaty with the Sultan of Johor reconquer Melaka.

This eventually bore fruit in 1641, after which the VOC established a trading post in Melaka with the agreement of the Sultan. This marks a period of co-operation during which Malaysia and the Netherlands influence and benefited from each other. This is clearly visible in the centre of town with the Stadthuys and Christ Church. At the Dutch Graveyard one can find gravestones with names as Theodorus Hebbers and Hendrik Evertsen. You will also fine the Dutch heritage in Kampung Belanda, with street name as Jonker Street ( Jalan Hang Jebat ) and Heeren Street ( Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lok ). There are still Dutch descendents living in Malaysia, the Dutch Eurasian Community, carrying Dutch surnames such as Westerhout. Even some Malaysian words derive from Dutch language such as duit ( money ). Beside a British interregnum from 1795 to 1818, Melaka remained in hands of the Dutch until 1824, when they surrendered Melaka to the British in exchange for the Sumatra port of Bencoolen ( Benkulu).

Activities

Saturday 1 –Sunday 9 September

‘The Dutch Market’

Weekdays from 09.00am to 07.00pm

Weekends ( Fri, Sat, Sun ) from 09.00am to 09.00pm

Venue: Dutch Square

Featured: ING Delft Blue Painter, Flowerbooth, Dutch Snacks Booth, Photoshoot Dutch

Costumes, Tradewind Treasures, Presentation Dutch Folklore costumes,

presentation Rembrandt etc.

Thursday 6 September

Lecture Ar John Koh on the Old Melaka Fort

Time: 04.00 -05.00pm

Venue: Melaka Historic Museum, Dutch Square, Jalan Kota.

Architect John Koh has written an article on this subject in the Buletin Warisan,

Apr-June 2007.

Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 Sept September

Cooking lessons from Celine Marbeck

Time: 03.00 – 06.00pm ( both days )

Venue: Quayside Café & Seafood Restaurant, No 4, Quayside Heritage Centre ( both days ) Tel: 06 281 6958

As a, from Dutch originated, Malaysian-Eurasian chef, Celine Marbeck presented cooking demonstrations on a Malaysian TV Channel and presented Master Classes in Eurasian Cooking at the International Gourmand Awards held in Kuala Lumpur 2006.

Saturday 8 – 9 September

Concert ‘ Kleintje Pils’

Time: 03.00pm -04.00pm ( both days )

Venue: Dutch Square ( both days )

Time: 08.30 -09.30pm ( both days )

Venue: Jonkerstreet ( both days )

Kleintje Pils plays joyful, catchy music, mainly Dixieland Jazz and Dutch classics.

Exhibition

Exhibition Dutch East India Company ( VOC )

1 – 30 September Venue: Melaka Conservation Centre, Jalan Laksamana

Exhibition Dutch East India Company coins ( VOC Coins )

1 – 30 September Venue: Melaka Conservation Centre, Jalan Laksamana

Exhibition Sketchbook Malacca

1 – 30 September Venue: Melaka Conservation Centre, Jalan Laksamana

Exhibition EU Herd of Cows

2 – 9 September Venue: Different locations in Melaka

Food

During the “ Holland Days in Melaka” several food and beverage outlets in Melaka will serve automatic Dutch food and snacks.

The Windmill Station (1)

“We make Great Western Food affordable & enjoyable for Everyone.”

No 48 & 50, Jalan Melaka Raya

For reservation/enquiries: 06 285 0145 website: www.the-windmill-station.com

The Windmill Station (2)

Ground Floor ( G33), Jaya Jusco Shopping Complex

For reservation/enquiries: 06 233 1145 website: www.the-windmill-station.com

Dutch Harbour Café

A fusion of Westeern and South East Asian Cuisine. A New Food Sensation comes to Melaka

No. 39, Jalan Laksamana

For reservation/enquiries: 06 283 7606 website: www.dutchharbourcafe.com

Thinking about Netherlands or Holland as it is popularly known, people think mainly about a friendly country with windmills and tulips. Well-known Dutch icons are football player Van Nistelrooij and famous artist Van Gogh. But there is much more!

This is the reason why the Netherlands embassy is working together with Dutch companies and organizations in Malaysia and Dutch related companies to promote the Netherlands and Dutch products. The celebration of 50 years of Malaysia and 50 years of Netherlands-Malaysia diplomatic relations in 2007 offers a golden opportunity not to be missed in this context. The motto ‘Holland, More than tulips’ has been chosen for this year’s campaign. Activities will be organized during the whole year throughout the whole country.

Of course Melaka is prominently featured! Melaka played a vital role for the Netherlands as major trade hub for the Dutch East India Company for nearly 200 years between 1642 and 1824. Many of the most visible buildings, such as the Stadthuys ( townhall in Dutch ) or the Christ Church, are build by the Dutch.

To revive this history and build a bridge to present days, the town will ‘turn orange’ between 2 and 9 September 2007. Featured will be a Dutch Market where typical Dutch specialties will be sold; exhibitions on the VOC will be held; Dutch traditional costumes will be shown; restaurants will be offering Dutch specialties; cooking demonstrations will be organized; and lots more!

The ‘Holland Days in Melaka is supported by ING Insurance, TNT, MISC, Dutch Lady and Douwe Egbert.

 

Extracted from The Strength of Malaysia – by Allington Kenneth

Pg 2 -7, The Straits Times Annual, 1964

In Spite of ‘ confrontation’ and misunderstanding by two of her biggest neighbours the Federation of Malaya, (Singapore) , Sarawak and Sabah is assured of a flourishing future of the great human and material assets of its many people. – How true!

The hostility of Indonesia and Philippines has reinforced every argument for Malaysia. Their bitter conclusion is that they would prefer Malaysia not to work. The Philipines Government has failed claim of North Borneo ( Sabah ), while Indonesia believed that both North Borneo and Sarawak should be part of the Indonesia Republic.

“Confrontation” was an unexpected background to the end of British colonial rule in South East Asia. It was as though the Indonesian would welcome British withdrawal only if permitted to fall upon the Borneo States and add them to Soekarno’s empire.

Most of the original doubts which the Borneo States had about Malaysia had disappeared even before ‘ confrontation’ supplied a new and urgent reason for federation. The Borneo States are too small to stand by themselves, while Malaysia quite obviously needed Singapore as much as Singapore needed Malaya.

Politically separated, economically Singapore and Malaya have been partners because they could not be anything else. Singapore has been the gateway and the commercial capital of Malaya.

Sarawak traded with and through Singapore. As for Sabah, the merchants of Singapore were trading with the Sultan of Sulu, the overlord of North Borneo, long before the Chartered Company became king. More so than ever for both, after they became Crown colonies at the end of the Japanese Occupation.

Brunei has not joined Malaysia because of failure to agree on the Sultanate’s oil royalties which the Malaysia Government thought should become federal revenue in another ten years’ time.

Despite all these, in 1959, a new One Dollar banknote was issued with the picture of a fisherman’s boat, signature by Tun Lee Hau Shik and had a security stripe together with a watermark of a tiger’s head. It was printed by Thomas de la Rue co. Ltd. London.

In 1961, a new Ten Dollars with a farmer plowing the rice field with the signature by Tun Tan Siew Sin was issued. It also had a watermark of a tiger’s head – both with captions on the observe that read:-

• “ This Note is Legal Tender for Ten Dollars in the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, Brunai, Sarawak and North Borneo.”

• And Crest of these five respective territories on the reverse sides.

Eventually, the role of printing was taken over by Bank Negara, Malaysia established in 1963.

Although Singapore eventually left Malaysia and Brunei was never part of the pact; however,

this unique collaborations and understandings in the common issuance and utilization of banking notes within 5 territories of 3 sovereignties was instrumental to the eventual formation of ASEAN!

 

 

This one gift is a life-long reminder of you

Parker 61

CAPILLARY PEN

When the occasion calls fro a memorable gift……one that does honour to the giver as well…… the overwhelming choice is a Parker 61 pen. For the parker 61 has become the symbol of personal achievement…. Possessing it proclaims its owner’s discrimination and good judgment, giving it, an expression of your admiration. This is an entirely new kind of pen, the most significant advance in writing instrument design. It is, indeed, a pen most worthy of the few really important gift occasions in one’s life.

THE PARKER PEN COMPANY

Marker of the World’s Most Wanted Pens

JANESVILLE, WISCONSIN, U.S.A. 

 

– Advertisement used in Malaysia in the 1960’s

Landing Malaya’s Fish

Fish abound around the coast of Malaya and Singapore, and large catches are landed to meet the needs of Malayans. These fish are caught in a variety of ways. For instance, some are trapped in fishing stakes using kerosene-burning pressure lamps as a lure, some are caught from petrol-driven sampans and still more are netted by fishermen using diesel-engined vessels, large and small. By supplying the necessary fuel and lubricants, Shell is making its contribution to the progress of fishing industry in the two territories.

- Advertisement in 1964

60 years in the picture

Shell is very much in the picture of the growing industrialization of Malaysia. , growth means an increased demand for petroleum fuels – to feed generating plants in power stations, to power stationary engines in factories and workshops, to drive car , aircrafts and ships which provide the transport essential to industrial development. Shell, to with its new refineries in Malaysia, is meeting this growing demand for petroleum products. With its constant research and local knowledge gained in over 60 years experience in this area. Shell is well equipped to meet the challenge that lies ahead.

SHELL – SERVING PROGRESS

 

These rich natural resources, allied to a growing industrial development, mean money in the pockets of the people of the region, money that could be buying your goods. Reach this growing market through the sales organization that adds wisdom of long Far East experience to the dynamism of modern sales techniques. 

 

Extracts from the Second Great War edited by Sir John Hammerton (Editor of the Great War, World War 1914-18, and Europe’s fight for Freedom. Etc) and Military Editor Maj.-Gen. Sir Charles Gwynn – Volume 3

Germany’s attitude to those who fell beneath her yoke was consistence (except Poland) with three objectives, namely:

1. Looting of food and raw materials, with the harnessing of remaining economic resources to the Nazi war machines.

2. Keeping the population quiet by some show of politeness until accounts with Britain had been settled.

3. Utilization of disaffected elements among the conquered people as a) a means of continued Nazi domination, and b) an instrument of foreign policy.

In Holland the Nazis had a more difficult task. The Dutch proved firm even in defeat and the Germans were soon compelled to abandon the “velvet glove” method by which they had hope to rule the country.

The German military Commander General Christiansen, in August threatened the Dutch with death penalty against those who assaulted German officials and toe invasion and the persons concealing or assisting enemy soldiers and airmen.

But as a nation the Dutch refused to be intimidated. The deliberate slaughter of 30,000 civilians by the Luftwaffe ( German Air Force ) on Rotterdam during the invasion and the devastation of Middleburg, capital of Zeeland and other old Dutch cities left them with bitter memories and made collaboration with the Nazis impossible.

Dutch, in the words of the correspondent of the Berlin newspaper “B.Z. am Mittg” “were in no way grateful to the Germans and refused everything German unless they could make profit out of it.” (Page 1172)

Today, thousands miles away in Malacca (Melaka), Malaysia in the Far East, which was once colonized by Dutch V.O.C. from (1641-1795, 1818-1825), plans were underway to reconstruct back the Bastion of Middleburg, situated behind the present Melaka Tourist Information Centre.

In my humble opinion:

The reconstruction of the Bastion of Middleburg could be used to remember and recall the bitterness of the Second World War; sufferings of the Dutch people during the demised of their 30,000 love ones in Rotterdam and Middleburg by the German’s onslaught in 13^th May, 1940.

Moreover, this Bastion of Middleburg can be so positioned as another memorial of the Second World War with the setting up of a War Memorial Museum on the actions of our then common enemies in Japanese and German which shall be another tourist attraction in Melaka.

More so as the date 13^th May shall have immense memory on both Dutch – on Germans onslaught in Rotterdam and Middleburg in 1940 and Malaysia – on the racial riot in 1969 where our beloved Malaysia was almost ruined socially and culturally.

Dedicated to Mankind with World Peace!

Note :

Welcome to Mdm Sashia van den Berg – Ebbenhors who works at The Museum Oud Nykerk, Netherland. www.oudnykerk.nl and email s.vandenberg@oudnykerk.nl to M.A.M.

 

 

 

Abstracts derived from Chapter 83, The Second Great War, by Sir Johnson Hammerton & Maj-Gen Sir Charles Gwynn.

Hitler’s western offensive was finally launched on 10 May 1940 after much threat, long delayed and postponed. For some day before this, the Dutch had believed that the German’s attack was imminent, and prepare for it, Their line of defence were fully manned.

Nazi warplanes were reported to have crossed the Dutch border 2.30am and by 3.00am bombs were dropped at the chief and military aerodromes. Heavy damage was caused by the descending bombs and by the fires to which they gave rise to in Rotterdam.

The first of the parachutes stumbled to earth shortly after 4.00 am. Many aerodromes were captured by parachute troops dropped from the sky by waves of troop-carrying planes…….Also, parachutes in uniforms of the Allies descended upon Dordrecht; others at various disguises appeared at Rotterdam and other places.

German troops reached the Dutch first line of defense along the Yssel and Maas early in the short live campaign. Among bridges bombed by the defenders were the Wilhelmina Bridge at Maastricht, built in 1932. The Nazis were compelled to used rubber-boats to reach the western bank to continue their advance as their motorized units were hampered by skillfully sited demolition charges ( mines ) under important highways. The Germans would display a large swastika delineated in white materials on conspicuous part of a roadway to fellow airmen on capturing a village.

The great Moerdyk bridge, spans the chief estuary of the River Maas ( known as the Holland Diep) which separate the North and South Holland. In the face of overwhelming odds General H.G. Winkelman, Commander-in-Chief of the Sea and Land Forces in the Netherlands, put up a brave and determined resistance to the Nazi attack. The bloody bombing of Rotterdam and the crossing of the Moerdyk bridge by the German armoured columns on May 14 had compelled General Winkelman and his men to lay down their arms. He was later taken to Germany as prisoner of war.

The Queen was taken to England on May 13 in a British warship, and the Dutch Cabinet under Jonkheer de Geer followed her twenty-four hours later. Up to the last moment the Queen stayed with her people, fortifying them in their hopeless struggle by her own courage and dignity in adversity. Only the imminent threat of deliberate murder or at least abduction compelled her to seek refuge in England.

By this time, Rotterdam was converted into a vast heap of rubbish, beneath which were the bodies of 30,000 citizens. A few hours later, Dutch Foreign Minister, Dr.Van Kleffens, stated in Paris that in the course of the five day’s fighting the Dutch Army had lost 100,000 men – approximately a quarter of Dutch’s total strength.

 

Extracts from Chapter 139 The Second Great War Vol 3 - by Sir John Hammerton & Maj-Gen Sir Charles Gwynn – Published by The Waverley Book Co Lts.

Drastic sentences were passed on men, women and even children convicted or suspected of keeping the national Dutch spirit.

University of Leyden was closed down and professors of Faculty of Laws of the University of Utrecht were all sent to concentration camps in Germany

The Germans arrested many scores as a “ reprisal “ for the alleged bad treatment of

Germans in the Dutch East Indies.

An insidious attempt was made to fix obloquy on Britain. The bombing of Dutch towns by the Germans were made to give the impression that the British Royal Air Force were the culprits. Moreover, curfew, was brought forward by two hours at 10.00 pm instead of usual midnight.The decree also coincided with the almost nightly flights of the R.A.F. over Holland and on their way to Germany, where a Germany military spokesman said that Holland was “ crammed with spies who communicate with British aircrafts by signals.”

Many houses went into winter unheated, as there was no paraffin for the oil stove. Thousands of dutch children were sent to Austria to be permeated with Nazi ideas, nominally for a holiday. Petrol driven buses in the streets were replaced by h

Orse-drawn vehicles to prevent daring Dutchmen from escaping to Britain. No traffic between 10.00pm to 4.00am the following morning. No civilian were allowed on the seashore between sunset and sunrise. Last but not least, no trains services between 10.00pm to daybreak.

New decrees imposed compelled Dutchmen to Foreign Service in Germany, working with Nazi taskmasters. Some 40,000 workers were sent to Germany during the first three weeks of October, 1940; where many undertook to repair war damages………

Popular Dutch leaders were imprisoned while traitors like E.G. von Bonning-hausen, were promoted to commanding positions in the country.

More to come, the Focker aircraft works, Dutch Steelworks companies and the great shipyard of Rotterdam , were ‘obliged’ to work for the Nazis.

When the principal bookseller in The Hague was ordered to remove a small portrait of Queen Wilhelmina, he immediately replaced it by a gigantic photograph of Hitler.

The Dutch Nazis felt their popularlity very sorely. Dutch newspapers, run by Nazis were seldom read. A popular daily lost 100,000 subscribers in three weeks. Britain was as well supplied with tidings from Holland as were Dutch with news from Britain through Radio Orange.

In November, Professor Gerbrandy, the Dutch Premier told his oppressed countrymen via Radio Orange :

“The flame of London light up the future of the Netherlands. It is a joy to me to be able to speak to you from the front line……Never be guided when building plans for the future by the idea that the Netherlands will have to form part of a Europe ruled by Germans.”

In a new effort to overcome both dutch and Belgian resistance simultaneously, the Germans came out with a further plan. This so-called “Verdinaso Movement,” ardently pushed by Mussert, provided for:-

1. the establishment of a Totalitarian Dutch State.

2. the union of the Dutch people, including the Flemings of Belgium;

3. cooperation of this new state with “blood-related” peoples and, first of all, of course, with the Nazis.

The Dutch were to be lured from their loyalty to their Queen by the promise of territorial increase in the shape of Belgian Flanders. The Flemings of Belgium for their part, were to be seduced by the idea of a united Holland and Flanders with King Leopald on the throne of the new state. At the same time the Wallons, or French speaking Belgians, were to be appeased by amalgamation with the racially-related French. Nevertheless the loyalty of the oppressed peoples of Norway, Holland and Belgium to their Royal rulers remained a persistent obstacle to collaboration with Germany…….. to be continue

 

Sometime during the 70’s, I could still recalled one day while approaching noon, it must have been before I went for my afternoon school then that I saw, to my surprise my late father KC Ng, who was soaked wet with some traces of mud on his thick blue jacket; cycling home to our house at No. 70, Bandar Hilir Road (now renamed Jalan Parameswara ). When approached, he said that just a short while ago, he had just plunged into the Malacca River from the Tan Kim Seng Bridge, overlooking Jonker Walk and OCBC Bank at the front view with the Stadthuys at the rear portion.

He was crossing the said bridge when he coincidently saw his buddy; also a port laborer on a tug-boat full of goods, sailing upstream along the river accidentally slipped and fell into the river.

That was when his instinct got better off him and down he dived into the river; with onlookers thinking he’d intended to commit suicide. Before everybody knew what was happening, he’s saved his buddy, someone who could not swim up and thank god he was still alive! Eventually, my dear father had passed away peacefully on 18^th Dec. 1998.

Today, years had passed; however, every morning whenever I walked across this bridge towards Maritime Archaeology Museum ( M.A.M ) www.mam-museum.com , the vivid memory of my heroic father would still linger on………..

My father might be gone, yet the Malacca River would continue to flow majestically downstream and be forced “upstream” with high tide from the river mouth.

Personally speaking, this “blood” of Malacca was the live wire ever since the 15^th century where Arabs, Chinese, Batavian, Bugis, Portuguese, Dutch and later the British set sight upon.

In 1403, when Emperor Yong-le ( 1403 -1424 ) ascended as the Ming Emperor after ousting his uncle Emperor Jian-wen ( 1399 – 1402 ), he was still skeptical and suspicious as to whether the said deceased body cremated belonged to his Emperor / Uncle or just a decoy ?

This suspicion eventually lead him to sending the infamous Admiral Zheng-he’s seven voyages to “ Western Ocean “ between 1405 i.e. Yong-le Year 3^rd to 1433 i.e. Zhen-tek Year 6^th.

No wonder Admiral Zheng-he brought along a 260 ships armada with his personal one reportedly to be as big as a soccer field! Other than those daily amenities and necessities, he’s also brought along many translators, which on the superficial seemed like a friendly trade missions, with underlying ulterior motive to hunt down the fugitive ex-Emperor Jian-wen; if he was indeed alive on the run………

Historians had always praised Admiral Zheng-he as he, together with his awesome armada ‘wasted’ not a single bullet, conquered no territory, and colonized no land thru all those years – 28 years to be exact. How true?

Today, as we visit the river banks; where beautification works were being undertaken by the Malaccan Government, aimed to rekindled to past glory days of Malacca, in particular during the 15^th century; one wonders how many lives had perished beneath this blood of Malacca and its vicinity…….

History had it that when the Dutch conquered Malacca in 1641, all residents were to surrender those Portuguese coinages or else………

Eventually, this Malacca River became their dumping ground; be it for fear or protests. Coupled with blue & white Ming / Qing porcelain wares of ships/boats capsized within and without, Malacca River is worthless, as far as artifacts are concerned.

This recent beautification works had also brought some short-lived money making opportunities to a group of local scavengers, having found Portuguese tin monies and Dutch copper coinages.

This short-lived adventure was intervened by the local museum authorities with security guards and impending penalties of RM 10,000 per item seized.

Realistically speaking, I fully support this beautification works as it spring boarded further our Malaccan tourism industry. The most notable change were those shop houses along the riverbank, namely First Cross Street ( Lorong Hang Jebat ) which have had new businesses setting up; seemingly to welcome this new feng-shui and facelift of the river.

Incidentally, the popular Malacca River Cruise jetty had also been relocated to a jetty opposite our MAM. It’s nominal RM 10.00 per cruise per person, depending on the tide with minimum 8 persons per cruise; would still carry on as usual and tourist never failed to enjoy what was and still the true wonder of Malacca.

Unofficially, there would be another lower bridge constructed somewhat below the flyover currently crossing the river. Current river flow were seemed to be detoured slightly; guessed it must have something to do with the new bridge project!

All in all, lets welcome proactive efforts, in preserving this blood of Malacca, may it continue to flow in and out of the river mouth hence proclaiming Malacca as the new World Heritage City of World Shared Human Live Treasures.