The photos in the book “Datuk”?

Some of you may ask, why are there photos that don’t relate much to the story?

When I drove up the hill beside the bridge, which I frequently stopped by for a good view of my beloved hometown, my usual sense of excitement was quickly replaced by a surge of unpleasant disappointment.

The narrow road was full of broken twigs and fallen leaves. The overgrown trees on the slope obstructed the beautiful city. And the once elegant guesthouse was dirty, appeared abandoned but somehow there were clothes hanging on the balconies facing the empty carpark.

My eyes sore from the sight of it. My heart ached as I remembered its beautiful past.

However, the once small town is actually growing. Few commercial and residential areas are emerging on the previously unused land. A new township with the name of “Bandar Baru Kuala Lipis (New Kuala Lipis Town)” has been blooming on the other side of the river. Connected with just a 2 lane bridge across the huge river valley that separates the old and new town, the old town quickly lost its appeal as shop owners- old and new alike, has moved their shops and investments across.

Still, the old town is the place where the Chinese community gathers to have breakfast. The horizontal street will still bustle with life in the early morning, but quickly lost its crowds when approaching afternoon.

Time has changed, the new replaces the old. That’s the way of life.

But I believe in the value of perseverance, that something good in the past should never lose its beauty, but instead enhanced by the test of time.

Historically significant, my hometown has the potential for being the best tourism spot in Pahang. Sadly, it was not envisioned or invested so.

I wish to advocate for my hometown, to raise awareness in keeping our heritage. Yes, the new will in time replace the old, but that doesn’t mean we would allow them to wither away, neglecting their plea to be a part of the community and to teach the public about our culture and history.

When I was writing the book, I see the similarity between the old man and my hometown. So I just put them in and try my luck. Who knows? One day someone in the city council read the book and decided to help me in my endeavour?

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