Just a coin's throw away from the fiery rhetoric in the halls of PWTC on improving bumiputera economic status, lie hundreds of traders actually making some money.

The normally spacious second floor of Putra World Trade Centre - where Umno headquarters is located - has been converted into a maze-like bazaar, with stalls spilling over to the pedestrian paths outside the building.

There is something on offer for everyone from piping hot kacang to homemade aphrodisiacs, Thai-made batiks to exquisite songket's, banks to government agencies.

Depending on the location and size of booths, traders pay between RM2,000 to RM5,000 to rent the space throughout the duration of the Umno general assembly.

Many of these booths and stalls were seen enjoying brisk business, some better than the others.

'Hadhari mobile'

While the loud chants of "Lelong! Lelong!" and "Buy one, free one!" gave the bazaar a carnival-like atmosphere, it doesn't mean big commercial players would feel out of place.

Representing the high-tech side of the local industries was local mobile-phone manufacturer CSL Group which was seen peddling dozens of 'Hadhari' model mobile phones.

Many buyers were seemingly drawn to its unique features a kiblat finder, prayer reminders and pre-recorded Quranic verses.

And keeping with the spirit of things, the phone includes an Umno logo for a wallpaper as well as pre-installed Umno theme song and the national anthem.

Rock queen

Another crowd puller among the stalls came in form of Malaysia's very own queen of rock Ella.

The single and middle-aged rocker has a range of beauty products in her name and it was being sold in a booth blaring her music.

Despite the growing number of visitors to the stalls as the assembly progresses, one trader complained that business was not that rosy.

"There are definitely more people this year, although business seemed to be the same," said one young trader, Ayub, who has been selling branded tee-shirts at the event for the past five years.

The 57th Umno general assembly began on Monday and will conclude on Friday.


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