Section 77: Bahau Chinese Cemetery
About a hundred years ago, a story related to Feng Shui unfolded in the Bahau Chinese Cemetery in Malaysia. The story revolves around a well that became the focal point of a Feng Shui dispute, leading to conflicts between two factions and unveiling hidden controversies.
The story takes place in the 1940s and 1950s, in a 30-acre area of the Bahau Chinese Cemetery located approximately 3 kilometers from the town center. One day, a group of prominent individuals visited the cemetery. Their purpose was not to pay respects to the deceased, but to investigate the Feng Shui conditions of the area. They meticulously examined every corner of the cemetery. When they reached a well, they halted and one of them remarked, "This is it!" The well wasn't particularly deep, and there were no residents on the cemetery grounds, making it unlikely for water consumption. However, the presence of this well was deemed unusual. The group perceived this unidentified water source on the cemetery grounds and immediately suspected intentional disruption of the local Feng Shui. In response, they secretly consulted a Feng Shui master, seeking guidance to unravel the mystery and eliminate any potential Feng Shui obstacles created by the opposing faction.
After surveying the surroundings, the Feng Shui master proposed a solution: to fill the well and plant a tree in the filled area to compensate for the Feng Shui disturbance. He believed this would counteract the opposing faction's Feng Shui obstruction and positively influence future generations. Consequently, the local residents took action, filling the well and planting a tree in its place. However, this action fueled discontent from the opposing faction.
During that superstitious era, some people believed that life quality was closely tied to Feng Shui. Hence, their focus turned to the cemetery, as they believed improving the Feng Shui would enhance their own lives. This sparked a struggle over the cemetery's Feng Shui, intensifying among different ethnic groups.
As the cemetery was considered public land and had no legal status, legal means weren't viable to resolve the dispute. Eventually, the two factions had to come to the negotiation table to resolve the issue. This incident, referred to as the "Inside Story," got its name due to its limited knowledge among only a few individuals at the time. Though not widely known, mentioning this historical event during Qingming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Day) still evokes a strong sense of nostalgia.
However, the Bahau Chinese Cemetery has undergone changes over the years. The hills remain, witnessing numerous sunsets, and the traces of history persist. Many ancestors rest here. As time flows on, past events become like smoke, yet the story of the Feng Shui dispute continues to be passed down, revealing the lives of the Chinese at that time and the history of the struggles endured by the predecessors on this land.
Today, various people of different origins establish ancestral mounds in Bahau Cemetery. During the spring and autumn festivals, people ascend the hill to pay respects to their ancestors, becoming a living testament to the history left by the forebears. As Feng Shui practices are passed down through generations, people consult Feng Shui masters to find the optimal burial spots, ensuring smooth endeavors. The ancestral mounds are not for burial; instead, they hold jars filled with beans and auspicious items, symbolizing bountiful harvests and favorable weather, aiming for a better life for the clan.
During the British colonial era, the opening of the cemetery was relatively unrestricted, allowing diverse practices without interference, intensifying the trend of Feng Shui disputes among different origin groups. Representing various origins in Bahau were influential figures such as Tang Xiangpu（唐香圃）, Fu Yongzhen（符永震）, Zhu Wenbing（朱文炳）, Cai Haiben（蔡海本）, Li Guanping（黎冠平）, Yan Puyou（颜普佑）, Xie Quan（谢铨）, Zhu Qunying（朱群英）, Rao Shoubin（饶寿斌）, Zhang Jiansu（张简素）, Li Lin（李麟）, Yan Yan（颜彦）, Du Ying（杜英）, and Tan Jian（谭剑）. Tang Xiangpu（唐香圃） represented Cantonese origin, Yan Puyou（颜普佑） led the Fujianese faction, Rao Shoubin （饶寿斌） was at the forefront of the Hakka faction, Fu Yongzhen（符永震） had the greatest reputation among Hainanese, and Li Lin（李麟）, Yan Yan（颜彦）, Du Ying（杜英）, and Tan Jian（谭剑） represented the Guangzhou faction. These individuals were prominent figures in Bahau during that time, each leading their respective origin groups.