TOURISM, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has taken Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to task over its enforcement against Chinese-language signboards.
He said their overzealous enforcement could tarnish Malaysia’s image as a diverse and multicultural nation.
DBKL recently launched a large-scale operation raiding premises allegedly using illegal signages.
"Such extreme actions impact Malaysia’s attractiveness as a travel destination and undermine its global competitiveness.
"As Malaysia prepares to chair Asean in 2025, with a series of meetings scheduled next year, it is an opportunity to showcase the country’s diversity and inclusiveness on the global stage," he said.
He said such actions would lead tourists to question Malaysia’s openness and inclusivity and had prompted several international visitors to ask him if Malaysia was a racist or religiously extreme country.
"DBKL should instead focus on initiatives that genuinely benefit the community, such as improving the city’s basic infrastructure and creating more attractions for tourists.
“Instead of projecting an authoritarian and regressive image, DBKL should embody the spirit of modernity and openness befitting the capital city,” said Tiong.
He stressed that multiculturalism is not a weakness but a competitive advantage.
"By rejecting narrow-mindedness and avoiding overemphasis on racial and religious issues, we can build a better future for the nation, unite its people, and drive the country forward together," he added.
It was reported recently that DBKL had launched a large-scale operation targeting signages not displaying Malay language across various areas, including Segambut, Pudu, and Jalan Silang in the city centre.
The operation involved DBKL’s enforcement and licensing teams, along with officers from Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka and the police. - November 24, 2024
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