There no more

ABBAS

Bandong Tailors & Batik Handel

59 Riverside

That's what was written, bold and clear, on the sign-board above my late father's shop in the early fifties. Situated on one of the main streets, now known as "Jalan Laksamana", it was once a popular meeting place for teachers, students, the literati and even the rich, local Nyonyas who came to have their kebayas sewn. In front of the shop was the grand St Francis Church, on its left the warehouse storing rubber sheets and spices from Indonesia and on its right the Custom's living quarters where my childhood friends lived. Next to the warehouse was a large field cum playing-ground for the children of the area. Behind these buildings flowed the famous Melaka River. Except for the St. Francis Church, sadly all the buildings mentioned were pulled down to make way for development.

The picture above could have been taken when I was about 8 or so. That's me sharing a seat with the guest of honour, the famous literary figure, Pak HAMKA (seated front in black). from Indonesia. My father is on his right. The rest were my father's close friends and supporters mainly of Sumatera's origin, a few Malay teachers and writers. Pak HAMKA was visiting the country to promote his books. When he stopped by Melaka, the Malay Literary group took him to my father's shop - then the only Malay shop, famous with its store of Indonesian, Malay and Islamic books. Unfortunately, I don't remember much about the get-together. But I'm glad I was part of the history.

"Bandong Tailors" as written on the signboard. My father started as a tailor for women's 'kebaya' (fine lacy embroided blouse known as "Kebaya Bandong"). Note my mother was an accomplished embroiderer (?) too. He also sold Batiks worn with the kebayas - thus the "Batik Handel" also sandels, scarves to match. (So you people who know me, take note that my family is NOT from Bandong, Java. My parents came from PADANG, Sumatera.) Gradually upon encouragement from his friends the Malay teachers, he added books and books and books, becoming a publisher and distributor of famous publications. And he naturally retired from being a tailor and seller of Batiks. Since he was known as "ABBAS BANDONG" from the tailoring era, the shop changed its name to "TOKO BUKU ABBAS BANDONG" (Abbas Bandong Book Store). That was his success story. But sad to say, none of his 4 children were interested to continue his legacy. So the shop closed upon his demise.

59 Riverside held many fond memories for me - the best of my growing-up years. There no more . . . .