Thursday May 9, 2013

Malacca CM turns nostalgic at sight of Vespa

Iconic ride: Idris (in songkok) flagging off a Vespa convoy going to Mecca to perform the umrah and to promote Malacca as a tourist destination at the Malacca Chief Minister’s residence.

MALACCA: Italian-made Vespa scooters hold nostalgic memories for Malacca’s Chief Minister Datuk Idris Haron who used to ride pillion on the machine as a young boy.

Flagging a convoy of Vespa riders at his kampung house in Klebang Kecil here, Idris reminisces how he was brought around town by his stepfather.

“I’ve admired the Vespa since I was a young boy. It was only mode of transport for my family then,” he said yesterday.

Idris said his stepfather used to direct him to sit down on the aisle when crossing police station in Asahan as he used to ride pillion without a crash helmet.

“Life was simple then. I used to enjoy Vespa rides and I did not have the pleasure of travelling by car.”

Idris said he would observe how his stepfather changed the hand-held gear of the scooter and used to emulate the style of riding when the machine was stationary.

“The sound itself is unique and until today when I hear the Vespa engine, I recall my younger days,” he added.

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