An instructive article written by Mr. Tay, a Senior (and retired) Editor of Sin Chew Daily about Hui Fatt and Chong Piang, the Panglimas who were the members of Kapitan Yap Ah Loy's Administration in Kuala Lumpur back then.
Apart from being the commando and military strategist recruited by Kapitan Yap Ah Loy, they were instrumental in helping to secure the safety and stability of Kuala Lumpur which in turn provide the catalyst for economic growth in this particular area that is blessed with rich natural resources for tin mining activities.
Additionally, the Panglimas were the brains and brawn that played key and pivotal roles in recapturing Kuala Lumpur with the supports from members of Malay royalty, the local elites and army when it fell into the hands of nemesis wanted to control the said area.
After the end of conflicts in Selangor (Kuala Lumpur), Hui Fatt and Chong Piang remained anonymous and retreated to Pulau Gadong, Melaka despite the fame and fortune awaiting them should they continued to stay on in Kuala Lumpur.
This meaningful project to uncover the stories of these legendary figures in Pulau Gadong will be impossible if not for Chong Piang’s group spearheaded by Dr. Teo Ban Kiat and ably assisted by Mr. Tan Chin Huat, Mr. Roderick Koh and Mr. Terrence Teng and other Chong Piang descendants.
Extensive researches and readings of the relevant literatures were done, notably, references to history textbook written by independent British authors to shed some insights on the circumstances at the material time. Besides, dialogue sessions have taken place with locally and overseas based historians, academicians, committee members from various Chinese temples & organisations, curators, the descendants of Yap Ah Loy and Hui Fatt and et cetera.
The valiant efforts demonstrated by Chong Piang’s group together with significant inputs from Yap Ah Loy and Hui Fatt descendants are clearly worthwhile culminating in this article being written in local chinese newspaper for dissemination to the public domains. Such historical narrative shall be etched and preserved for the benefits of future generations.
Special mention to Mr. Tan Chin Huat who has worked tirelessly and contributed immensely to build up the tangible “Chong Piang Heritage Centre” in Pulau Gadong from the ground up within matter of weeks. It was clearly no mean feat and nothing short of remarkable. The Heritage Centre was successfully officiated under the auspices of the then Chief Minister of Melaka, YB Haji Adly Zahari on 29th February 2020.
Last but not least, we wish to record our heartfelt gratitudes for your involvement and participation that allowed this herculean task to come into fruition.
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