Saving Malaysia

In Malaysia a battle is taking place over the acquisition of a historic Chinese hotel and a shop in the capital Kuala Lumpur.

The Lok Ann hotel started off as a coffeehouse on Jalan Sultan.

It was built in 1938 before being converted to a hotel in 1955 and has been run by the Tan family ever since.

“The founder is our great grandfather,” says Judy Tan, the family spokesperson. “And they came from China. With the hard earned money from the rubber business, they got this place...”

In 2011 the government decided the building had to go to make way for a much needed expansion of the rail network in the area.

The railway company offered compensation and other benefits to land owners who would be affected.

But many of the owners including the Tan family didn’t accept the deal, so the government took control of the law.

“Because we could not reach an agreement with the MRT corporation, our land was acquired. This means we have to move out according to the notice received,” explains Judy.

Judy’s family is now fighting the case in the courts.

“We are hoping the judge is fair in this matter. The national court actually has a provision to allow for the tunneling underground, without affecting the surface land. We are hoping that there will be a fair decision on the part of the high court judge so that we can get back our surface land and continue with the family heritage.”    

It’s been a two year long battle…..

And the community around the hotel has been holding regular protests.

“Lok Ann represents a third generation family business, and it is what makes us what we are today. We are not interested in compensation from the government because that does not mean anything to us.”

Well-known activist Hishamuddin Rais attended one of the rallies.

“This is part of the struggle of the people in the city to protect their heritage!  We must work together. The villages must support one another. If you don’t act, you will be demolished. You will be demolished. Mark my words. Mark my words.”

Other activist Cheng Fui Lien hopes that the problem will be resolved.

“I am hoping this event will bring awareness to the public, and they could hopefully stop the demolition. We hope to consolidate the voices of the people who would like to keep this historic site.”

For now the Lok Ann hotel is empty.  The family is waiting to see what the courts decide.