Top spinner-cum-Negaraku icon in rough spin to build new workshop

MALACCA: Remy Azizi Abdul Karim has found himself in a rough spin.

In dire financial straits, the gasing spinner and #Negaraku icon has appealed for help to rebuild his top-making workshop to enable him to continue his family's legacy.

Remy Azizi, 38, who is known as "Panglima Kayu Pusing" (Top Spinning Warrior) among local gasing enthusiasts, said he could no longer make tops as there was now a new owner of the land where his workshop is located in Bukit Rambai.

"I can no longer make my tops as the landowner has cut off the electricity supply and will demolish the workshop soon. I an now trying to build a new workshop but sadly, face financial problems," he told Bernama.

The Malacca-born fourth generation top spinner said he needed about RM15,000 to build a new workshop but lacked the necessary funds.

"Although I have received some public aid, it is insufficient to build even a small workshop," he added.

Remy Azizi said not having the space to build the tops had resulted in him not being able to meet customer demand and turn down requests from tertiary institutions which wanted to conduct studies on the quintessential gasing.

"I am upset at not being able to help the younger generation who want to study the gasing and the techniques in making it, but I cannot do anything now."

Remy Azizi, whose father Abdul Karim Talib, 68, died on Jan 8 from heart disease said he was now alone in his efforts to preserve the art of making gasing, but this had not dampened his spirit.

"I remember my father's words just a day before he died ... he told me to continue the legacy of making gasing even though it was not easy to do so.

"My father said that if we did not make an effort to preserve the tradition, then, who else would ... and he was worried that one day, others will claim the heritage (of making gasing) as theirs," he said.

Those wanting to help Remy Azizi build his new workshop can contact him at h/p no: 017-6134644. — Bernama