Tuesday, October 09, 2007

Streets of Kota Damansara - Text

Sigh...I tried but could not put the text onto the entry with the song. Where did I do wrong? Er...that's not Sinead O'connor singing, mind you. So, please scroll down, click play then only read this text below.


The Streets of Kota Damansara.

I was reading Roslan SMS's entry on October 8, and was immediately reminded of some people, many of them who may not be as fortunate as I am or we are.

The streets of Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya, may not be known to many people outside. It is unlike the song Streets of London. But like the streets anywhere in the world, it too has its own stories.

Eve, a name I shall give this lady who lives several houses down the road, is a pious muslimah living alone in a 2story house. Yet, if you were to meet her, then you might easily think she is a lady of 50's or 60's. Formerly a medium scale public servant, she lives off her pension with the house paid for by one or two of her 7 children.

Formerly known as Bandar Baru Sungai Buloh, the market value of the area increased dramatically when the name was changed to Kota Damansara and made part of Petaling Jaya. A mixed development of low, medium, and high-end housing, it is by no means an affluent neighbourhood.

At her age, Eve, shows none of the physical frailties of many of her age group. Surprisingly, she is still a keen gardener, working every morning on her small plot measuring some 10 by 5 foot, except when is not well. Then, kindly neighbours would knock on her door to check on her wellbeing.

To fend off crime and undesirable elements, many of the landed property areas have engaged security companies and erected barriers. This move, though noble in intention, is not well received by certain quarters, more so when it is seen as a segregating the residents of the low cost and not.

I know that at least 3 of her children are well off as I've seen them driving expensive cars when ever they visit Eve. This, however, is a scene that does not repeat itself with the frequency one would have thought between children and their mother. This Ramadhan month itself, neighbours have taken noticed that Eve breaks her fast almost alone. The only time when she has company is when one of her sons return from a neighbouring country.

But somehow, when you compare the kinship between the low cost and not, it seem the residents of the low cost areas have theirs more tightly woven; with the exception of perhaps one or two, they seem to honestly enjoy the company of their neighbours where each death or birth, is shared equally with sorrow or joy by all.

Seeing her living alone, I am left to wonder whether she could be lonely. But the mornings when she does her gardening, she always has a smile on her face but her eyes speaks differently. The several times emak ask me to send her kuehs or dishes, her face would really glitter with joy at having guest, even if the visit is for a moment or two.

I may be wrong in my observation, but the residence of the low cost areas are actually living a new definition of the old kampung spirits that the Malay - Asian - community is once famed for.

As we approach Aidil Fitri, again and again I ask myself on the duties and allegiance of children - any children - towards their parents. In Islam, there are numerous ayats and hadiths where the children are to honour their parents above anyone else, with the exception of the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. Would it then, suffice for Eve's children to give financial support and - it seems - not affection as well? I dare not say more less I become that what I fear.



* Thank you Doc for teaching me to use imeem, and thank you Cikgu for opening the door leading me here. Off course, not forgetting Sofian who created my blog and left me in a lurch.

16 comments:

tokasid said...

Salam shah cakapaje:

(now I know that Kota Damansara was the former BB Sg Buloh)

Makcik Hawa's story is becoming common in our society. I hope few of her sons used to invite her to stay with them but she decline it.I hope that was what had happened.
(My mak at 70 now, refused to come and stay with me or my brothers. When she was alone she preferred to go and stay in a pondok)

Sometimes mothers of her age refuse to stay with their sons bcoz they do not want a conflict to happen either with the maid or daughter in-law, grandchildren or their own son. So, to avoid possible heartache, they prefer to live alone.

I can't comment on the way of living between the high and low class, because all my life I've been staying in a kampong(except during campus days) and most of my neighbours and friends are from the middle and low income group.

As for writing a story with the attached song, you can edit after putting in the songs(thats what I did, tried 3 times before the desired result)Worry not, after a few times you'll be an axpert.

As for Melaka Pindah, I know the site that you mentioned(the lalang grown lad with a markaz there. Its nerby a masjid.When it comes to fruit season, melaka Pindah is the place one should go to.

cakapaje said...

Salam Doc,

Er...Hawa is my emak Doc :) I used Eve for this lady just in case I have the wrong perception and that their children may, by chance, drop by my blog.

Yes, I agree with you as my emak is quite like what you mentioned. Further, she would not feel comfortable at any of my siblings' place - nak lepak ke, nak baring tengok tv ke and what not.

With regards to the house in Melaka Pindah, do drop by anytime and mention you're my friend. Er..you need to use 'ayeh', that's my nick in the family.

monsterball said...

Alone does not mean she is lonely. I think she wants it that way...and her children are honoring her wishes. From outsiders point of views..she may looked being abandoned...far from the truths. She wants to have peace and quiet life.....all alone. She is completely happy. She knows her children can take care of themselves. That's important to her. Whether they come once awhile...she will not mind...as love is complete understandings and that's how she is behaving.
I think she is very happy being alone and she does have her few old friends.....I am sure.

Kerp (Ph.D) said...

bro shah,

ahh yes. so it was true that the older part of kota damansara was formerly known as bdr baru sungai buloh. smart move by the developer huh? the word damansara sells. whats next, jinjang damansara? hahaha..

cakapaje said...

monsterball! Hey, its great to see you gracing the pages of my blog.

Well, my wishes for Eve are as your too. But sometimes, you just can't help wondering.

cakapaje said...

Salam bro kerp,

Yes, it is true the old parts of KD had a different name. The rebranding was a coordinated effort too - they built the link to Mutiara Damansara and walla!, the real estate value shot up like our what-naut!Hehe, couldn't resist it there.

Jinjang Damansara eh? I hope not. As it is, I'm already like lost when ever someone mention this-damansara or that-damansara - just too many of them already.

zabs said...

Salam Eidulfitri untuk Saudara cakapaje dan sekeluarga. Isteri saya orang Alor Gajah saya orang nogoghi.
Selamat bergembira di hari mulia ini, tapi jangan lupa orang yang yang tiada.

Fatin said...

Assalamualaikum,

Thanks for dropping by and yes, you are welcome but know that I'm not a frequent and good blogger. Just check at your leisure time.

An advance Eid greeting. May all our deeds in this month are accepted by ALLAH SWT, sins are cleansed and piety is increased.

Wassalam.

Unknown said...

Sometimes, children think that money can buy genuine companionship, how wrong they are. I see it as a crime, a crime to humanity.

I AM VERY HAPPY AND HONOURED TO HAVE MADE YOUR ACQUAINTANCE.

SELAMAT HARI RAYA
MAAF ZAHIR DAN BATIN.

tokasid said...

Salam Shah ayeh:

Selamat 'Eidulfitri serta maaf zahir batin untuk hang sekeluarga.

InsyaALLAH ada jodoh kita boleh berjumpak satu hari.

Kerp (Ph.D) said...

bro shah,

same here brother. salam aidilfitri, ampun maaf jika ada tersalah kata dan bahasa. have a good one Syawal.

cakapaje said...

Salam Pak Zabs,

Terima kasih. Sesama kita bersedih meninggalkan Ramadhan, dan bergembira menyambut Syawal.

Selamat Hari Raya, mohon maaf dari saya.

cakapaje said...

Wa'alaikumusalam warahmatullah,

Thank you Fatin for the do'a, and may your deed too be accepted, your wrongs forgiven, and your piety increased, insyAllah.

I'll be dropping in almost everyday as I normally do with my friends, insyAllah.

cakapaje said...

Salam Cikgu,

Thank you, Cikgu, you are too kind with me. Assuredly, I too am happy and honoured to come to know you, as I am with all my friends.

Selamat Menyambut Hari Raya
Mohon maaf kesilapan yang pasti ada.

cakapaje said...

Sala again Doc,

Terima kasih Doc. Salam 'Eidulfitri juga dari saya dan emak kepada Doc sekeluarga. Mohon maaf segala kesilapan dari pihak saya.

InsyAllah, we will meet. And I look forward to the moment sir.

cakapaje said...

Bro kerp,

Likewise, Selamat Menyambut Hari Raya to you too. Sesama kita memohon dan memaafkan kesilapan semua, insyAllah.