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Utusan slams Chinese food hub project, says Jalan Alor already like Hong Kong

Umno-owned Utusan Malaysia has demanded to know why there is a need for a Chinese “Food Paradise” in Kuala Lumpur, continuing its attack on the community following the May 5 general election.

The Awang Selamat column in its Sunday edition, Mingguan Malaysia, has taken exception to Kuala Lumpur City Hall's (DBKL) project to turn Jalan Alor into a food hub for the community.

Awang Selamat, the pseudonym for the collective voice of the paper’s editors, warned DBKL to be mindful of who would benefit while noting that there is already a strong Chinese image in Bukit Bintang.

“It already resembles Hong Kong,” Awang Selamat said.

The paper pointed out that pouring RM12 million into a project which would benefit the Chinese community is an exercise in futility.

“From way before, the voters in the area have never supported the government; even if given the moon and the stars, there will be no appreciation,” it said.

Jalan Alor is located in the Bukit Bintang parliamentary constituency and since it was formed it has always been won by the DAP.

The seat is currently held by the party’s treasurer, Fong Kui Lun.

The newspaper’s latest salvo at the Chinese community is in line with its attacks on it after the May 5 polls.

Following the general election, it ran a story with the provocative headline “Apa lagi Cina mahu?” (What more do the Chinese want?) on its front page.

Utusan blamed the community for Barisan Nasional’s dismal performance after it was returned to power with 133 seats - down from 140 in the 2008 polls.

“Why notr set up a food hub for all races? Kuala Lumpur does not belong to a certain race alone.

“Awang is sad because the authorities should have started a Malay food hub first if they wanted to create such a concept in the capital,” the newspaper wrote.

“Keep in mind that Malaysia is multiracial but with Malays and Bumiputeras at its core. Like it or not, that is the reality.”

He said the said project would receive a lot of backlash from non-governmental organisations who would want it called off.

He said many parties are not satisfied with the reason given by mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Phesal Talib (pic, right).

Awang said the reason - to upgrade and develop Jalan Alor as a tourist site - was unconvincing.– August 25, 2013.