Replica of Raja Malewar Palace

I took a leisurely drive to my old kampung in Chengkau, yesterday, to see how my schizo cousin, Jaafar, getting on alone in his house. His sister, Cham, has gone back to KL and the last time I checked, both of them have recovered from their illness. I brought some food for him as well as my other cousin, Hawa, who stays in her house next door. Only three people live in this isolated kampung at the edge of a secondary forest. The tarred road is so narrow, just enough for a car to pass. I came head on with a small lorry oncoming, so I have to back away to make way for the lorry to pass. It was quite tricky as I am not good at handling reversing on a narrow road. I noticed my heritage land has been cleared and don't know who did it. I was never asked for permission to do the clearing. I guess my cousin, Sham would know and I am going to ask her what's happening. That's the problem with adat land. It's so fragmanted, being divided equally among the many females of the clan. Being the oldest daughter of my mother's child, I was supposed to have the responsibility to carry on but I was never interested. My younger sister, Anah, is the one who bothers and she should know. I plan to go back there again when Cham is home again from KL.

This is my cousin Hawa's house, a neighbour to Jaafar.

On the way to my mother's village, Kg. Durian Tunggal, Chengkau, I stopped at Rembau town, attracted by a Minangkabau design complex. It's the Crystal Village, newly opened. I met Zuhaina, the staff there who showed me the glass and crystal products and the workshop. They are beautiful. The complex accepts made-to-order design. So for those who want crystals or specially designed gifts, especially in bulk, you can contact Rembau Crystal Sdn. Bhd, En. Hanif Maulud, tel. no 06-6853100 or Hp 012-6110270 or visit website: www. rembaucrystal@yahoo.com. I hope the venture is successful but they need support from locals as well as tourists.

The Crystal Village Complex at Rembau, Negeri Sembilan.

Heading back to Port Dickson, I detoured to Astana Raja which was about 7 km from my village to see the replica of Raja Melewar Palace. I was not disappointed. The replica of the 170 years old palace is magnificent. There is so much history of the Minangkabau influence in Negeri Sembilan but because it was almost closing time I was not able to see everything in the muzeum. I was in awe at the intricate wooden carvings and the old handicrafts. On top of that the battery of my camera was exhausted. But I plan to visit the palace again as well as see the makam when I pay a visit to see my cousin soon.

The replica of Raja Melawar Palace at Astana Raja in Rembau.

As usual as I drove along the many Malay villages, I was fascinated by the old Malay houses which some are retained beautifully. So, the next time, I'll arm myself with extra camera battery and some shots of those old houses. I am particularly interseted to take a photo of my old uncle's house at Bongek which is left abandoned but the design of the house replicated the wooden staff house my family lived in the staff quarters of SITC, Tg. Malim. So Rembau, you will see me again soon.

Appreciation and pride of my Malay heritage.