KUALA LUMPUR: DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang has taken the police to task for stripping a restaurant in Penang of its large Chinese communist-themed decor, stressing that it was only meant to be a “cheeky” advertisement.
Suggesting that the authorities overreacted, the Iskandar Puteri MP called on the Special Branch to move with the times.
In a statement today, he added that the internal security arm of the police would not have conducted itself this way in its “early years”.
He also reminded about the close diplomatic ties that Malaysia has with China and the importance of maintaining it.
The authorities are investigating whether there is a hidden motive or political agenda behind the installations at the restaurant’s two outlets at Jalan Icon City near Bukit Mertajam and Pulau Tikus on the island.
Police yesterday removed wallpaper featuring caricatures resembling the Chinese Communist Party army and drawing of the late Communist leader Mao Zedong, and seized cups bearing his images.
They believe that the decoration was put up by a Chinese national who is the wife of the owner of the Xiang Ge Li Li La Authentic Hunan Restaurant.
Police have detained a 23-year-old manager to facilitate investigations.
“The Special Branch in the early years would not have reacted in such a fashion as to regard a cheeky food advertisement as promoting Chinese communism,” Lim said.
“The Special Branch must not suspect a communist under every table but move ahead with the times.”
“Malaysia and China have established a diplomatic relationship for 46 years since 1974 and both countries must maintain strong and close economic ties.” – The Vibes, January 3, 2021
