EXTREME reactions by certain parties to China tourists waving their country flag at a recent cultural event in Perak can hurt the image of Malaysia in the eyes of the international community, said federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
"There is nothing wrong with China tourists waving the flag of their country in a cultural event they are taking part in as they are tourists.
"Why turn this into a controversy? These extreme reactions can hurt the image of Malaysia as a moderate country.
"It not only affects our image but can turn away foreign tourists as well," he said in a press statement.
Tiong is Member of Parliament for Bintulu and president of the Progressive Democratic Party in Sarawak.
He pointed out that in the past, there were many foreign tourists visiting Malaysia who also displayed flags of their home country while touring Malaysia.
There were no controversies stirred up then, he pointed out.
Tiong called for moderation and an end to the current politicising of these issues by certain groups. - October 28, 2024
