After spending weeks under the media spotlight, traders around the Petaling Street now appear reluctant to speak to the media.

When Malaysiakini approached some 20 traders in the area today, only a handful agreed to speak.

“I wouldn’t know what to say. I don’t want to end up saying the wrong things,” was by far the most common reason cited when declining to speak, often before even the first question was asked.

Many said this or other words to the same effect as soon as introductions were made, while a few others waved off when they see an approaching reporter.

Among those who agreed to speak, however, opinions are mixed about the visit of Chinese ambassador Huang Huikang last week, and the statements he made during and after the visit.

One trader, 67-year hold Yong Oi Moy said that the ambassador’s visit had brought some reassurance to the traders in the area, which is also known as Chinatown.

“After his visit, it is not so frightening anymore,” she told Malaysiakini when met at her stall.

Nevertheless, she said Petaling Street has been quieter than usual of late, and consequently her business selling fried snacks has suffered by about 30 percent.

Meanwhile, biscuit seller Melvin Chan ( photo ) pointed out that the Chinatown area has received numerous dignitaries over time, and each visit, including Huang’s, helps to promote the area and boost tourism.

He explained that Huang was invited to Petaling Street for Chinese New Year celebrations earlier this year, but the visit had been postponed numerous times until last week when he distributed mooncakes in the area in conjunction with the Mid-Autumn Festival.

As for Huang’s statement describing China as a "wife’s parental home", Chan acknowledged his Chinese ancestry but emphasised that Malaysia is where he calls home.

“We are all Chinese and we came from China, and other races have come from other places.

“But regardless of where we are from, if we can hold a Malaysian identity card and become a Malaysian citizen, it doesn’t matter where we are from anymore.

“The important thing is that regardless of our race, we are Malaysian residents. We have the right to protect our country Malaysia,” he said.

Condemning racism and extremism

Ambassador Huang ( photo ) had visited Petaling Street on Sept 25, in conjunction with the Mid-Autumn Festival that was celebrated on Sept 27.

However, his visit also occurred a day before a planned riot at Petaling Street that was ultimately called off, and he was caught in a diplomatic faux pas over his statement condemning racism and extremism, which some see as foreign interference in Malaysia’s domestic affairs.

“Nobody has the right to undermine the authority of the law or trample on the rule of law.

“The Chinese government has always pursued peaceful co-existence in international relationship and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

“But with regard to the infringement on China's national interests, violations of legal rights and interests of Chinese citizens and businesses which may damage the friendly relationship between China and the host country, we will not sit by idly,” he said during his visit.

Huang had defended his visit, saying that he was merely showing by example that Petaling Street is safe for tourists ahead of China’s week-long National Day holidays starting Oct 1, while the Chinese government has also backed his actions.

In a separate speech yesterday, Huang had also expressed hope that Chinese Malaysians can live harmoniously with other races in Malaysia.

“I want to reiterate that regardless of where you (the Chinese diaspora) are or how many generations later, China is always your warmest ‘wife's parental home’," he said.

The term "wife's parental home" refers to the cultural practice where wives can still find support or refuge from their parents even after they had been married off, but in this context refers to the feelings of kinship of the Chinese diaspora towards China.

To some Petaling Street traders however, the ambassador’s visit and statements are non-issue or is merely stating the obvious.

“This is not a matter of whether there is (foreign) interference or not. He didn’t come here on purpose. It was only coincidence that he came for a walk for Mid-Autumn Festival not knowing that this (riot) is going to happen,” said the roast duck seller Choong Kok Lan ( photo ).

“Since it was going to happen on the next day, he said something about it and there is nothing wrong with that.

“There is no issue of who’s right and who’s wrong here, he is not talking about much, just Chinese issues. He was not touching on Malaysian politics,” she said.

Fruit stall operator Yuan Tuck Han echoed Choong’s sentiment, saying that the issue whether Huang was interfering with Malaysian affairs does not arise.

He said Huang was "just saying" and the ambassador’s statements were not damaging, as he was not commenting on politics.

“He wasn’t even criticising the Malays or anything else,” Yuan ( photo ) added.

As for Huang’s statement about the kinship of the Chinese diaspora, Choong said there is nothing wrong with that statement.

“My grandmother came from China,” the 40-year old said, adding that this is also true for many ethnic Chinese persons throughout the world.

Another trader, who has requested anonymity, said he does not know what Huang had said but viewed the visit positively.

“It was quite nice. Lots of people welcomed him. There were many reporters and people supporting him as he walked from one end of the street to another […]

“I don’t think it’s anything,” said the 66-year-old man.

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