GE14 | Almost five years ago, newly-minted Malacca Chief Minister Idris Haron threatened to shut down Jonker Walk, a world-renowned tourist attraction, in an apparent act of political retaliation after voters delivered BN its worst electoral performance in history.

Following Putrajaya's intervention, Idris later denied ever wanting to do so, claiming that he only wanted to reopen Jonker Street to weekend traffic, which despite the semantics, would make it impossible for the night market to operate.

Idris' outburst was not so much about the opposition capturing Kota Melaka in the 13th general election, the federal constituency in which Jonker Walk is located, which had always been a DAP stronghold.

It was the defeat of his mentor and then outgoing Malacca chief minister Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam, who lost in the neighbouring parliamentary constituency of Bukit Katil (renamed Hang Tuah Jaya for GE14), which was his birthplace – and which had never fallen to the opposition before.

What followed were chaotic scenes at Jonker Walk, with both DAP and MCA rallying in defence of the traders there.

With the 14th general election expected to be called within weeks, Malaysiakini spoke to Jonker Walk traders about their thoughts on what happened five years ago and their expectations at the coming election.

The consensus was one of anger when news that Jonker Walk would be closed down got out but for many, that emotion had subsided somewhat as MCA, with the state government's backing, continued to build up the popular tourist spot despite the initial knee-jerk reaction.

"We were angry then, but now everything is peaceful. There is no problem now so we do not keep it in our hearts," said 58-year-old Tay Cho Bu, who runs a beverage stall.

Echoing this was another trader only wanted to be known as Anthony, who conceded he experienced a moment of fleeting anger.

"There was burning anger, but it has passed. Our community should learn what happened was in the past and control our emotions," said Anthony, who sells snacks.

However, the attempt by the state government to make amends has not placated everyone, with some still angry over the initial threat to close them down.

"I still feel a little angry. Why did they want to close us down?" said Yong, who is in his 40s.

The sunglasses seller said he would fight back if the attempt to shut down Jonker Walk is repeated after the 14th general election.

'No repeat of Idris' threat'

However, state MCA chairperson Gan Tian Loo, who also heads the Jonker Street committee, promised there would be no repeat of the incident.

"(There will be) no such thing at all," Tian Loo told Malaysiakini when contacted.

“After the general election, the hawkers and traders can continue to do their business there. The government has given us a lot of support,” he added.

Tian Loo's father, Gan Boon Leong, founded Jonker Walk in 2000, which at the time was even opposed by the state opposition due to traffic congestion concerns. However, it grew to become a success.

Boon Leong, now in his 80s, was an award-winning bodybuilder who went on to become the Malacca MCA chief and a state executive councillor. A statue bust of him during his body-building prime adorns Jonker Walk.

“When (Jonker Walk) first started, no one walked the street. Only one person walked this street – Boon Leong. It was so sad,” recalled Tay.

However, Boon Leong came from a generation of old politicians who expected voters to be "grateful".

While attending the rally to defend Jonker Walk shortly after Idris' attempt to shut it down, Boon Leong had complained to journalists about the Chinese community not being grateful to Ali Rustam despite the many things he had done for Jonker Walk.

Tian Loo, who suffered a bitter defeat after being unseated as the Duyong state assemblyperson, shifted uncomfortably beside his father and tried to cut short Boon Leong's controversial comments. Duyong is a state seat under Kota Melaka.

Continuing his father's work, Tian Loo can only hope to show what the Jonker committee had done under his leadership and steer clear of controversies.

"I think the traders there are very happy with what the Jonker Walk committee has done," said Tian Loo, adding that the committee has the local municipal's ear.

Among the committee's efforts since then have been to reduce the number of illegal traders, introducing Jonker TV and Jonker FM to promote the venue as an international tourist destination, as well as engaging youths in community events there. The area now also has free WiFi.

“I just want to continue upgrading Jonker Street and turn it into a major tourist attraction in Malaysia. We guarantee that tourists who come to Malacca will definitely come to Jonker Walk,” Tian Loo told Malaysiakini.

Too big to shut down

But if the MCA and state government's doubled efforts at Jonker Walk doesn't pay off electorally, will traders suffer double the backlash compared to the 13th general election?

Many traders believe that whatever rhetoric or threats made against them are merely fuelled by emotion, and that it is not at all likely that Jonker Walk will be closed down due to its high profile status.

As such, they don't feel intimidated when it comes to voting in the 14th general election.

Many Chinese tourists (from China) come here, that is why they have to take care (of Jonker Walk)," said Anthony.

Guava seller Philip Ong is also confident that Jonker Walk is here to stay, regardless of what happens in the coming general election.

“No way they (state government) will close this street because we have already discussed with the MBMB (Majlis Bandaraya Melaka Bersejarah),” Ong said.

Another trader, who did not want to be named, said Jonker Walk had become too popular as a tourist destination to be shut down.

For other traders, like 40-year-old Chong Ei Sin, who sells trinkets and toys, Jonker Walk is about earning a livelihood, not a political drama.

"We're not that educated, so as long as we can do our business, we are happy.

"Anything complicated isn't our forte," she said.