Ah Ma is steeped in traditional values while Mr Li and Ying represent the modern society. - Ah Ma has high regard for the traditional practices of the Chinese community while the new generation does not place much importance on tradition.iam.
Past vs Present
Ah Ma represents the past while Mr Li symbolizes the present. • Mr Li sees the ships at the harbor at present while Ah Ma ‘sees’ the port of Tanjung Rhu when they used to live there in the past
Regret
Mr Li feels deep regret for the way he treats Ah Ma after his mother falls ill and later passes away • He never pays much attention to his mother’s stories about the past and realizes a little too late that most of his questions remained unanswered.