By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 17: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng has refuted claims by Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong that Affin Bank’s new Kenyalang Visa Debit Card misrepresents Sarawak’s official State bird, saying her criticism is “untrue” and potentially damaging to Sarawak’s pride.
Speaking during his ShallWeeTalk Facebook Live session today, Wee defended the card design, emphasising that the hornbill featured on the debit card has an upward-curved casque — a key trait of the Rhinoceros Hornbill, or Kenyalang — and is inspired directly by both the iconic bird and Sarawak’s Coat of Arms.
He also shared a promotional video of the debit card, highlighting its sleek reflective hornbill motif on a black background, asserting that the design was “conceptual” and made “with pride for Sarawakians.”
“If you ask me whether it resembles the Kenyalang hornbill, I say it is quite close,” he said, noting that the card is exclusive to Sarawakians and reflects local identity.
His comments came in response to Yong’s criticism during a Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak fundraising dinner on May 15, where she alleged that Affin Bank had used the Great Hornbill — a species found in mainland Asia — instead of the State’s official Rhinoceros Hornbill on the Kenyalang savings account card.
According to news report by various national dailies quoting a local paper, Yong, who was speaking in front of national DAP leaders including Minister of Digital Malaysia and DAP national chairman Gobind Singh Deo, also urged the bank to apologise, recall the cards, and issue corrected versions.
Wee, visibly disappointed with Yong’s remarks, said: “As an elected representative from Sarawak, how could you let outsiders laugh at something created to represent our pride? When you speak like that in front of West Malaysians, you are not just criticising a product — you are belittling Sarawak.”
He believes that over 5,000 cards have already been issued since the Kenyalang account was launched last month, demonstrating strong public acceptance.
“This is our pride. Sarawak used to have its own banks — Bank Utama, Hock Hua Bank, Kwong Lee Bank. Now, we are investing in our own bank. We hold more than 30 per cent; we are the largest shareholder.”
Taking a firm tone, Wee continued: “Sarawak is our home. If you don’t respect this home or your fellow Sarawakians, then you’re not honouring Bangsa Sarawak. Don’t use public platforms to chase popularity or ridicule what others have worked hard to build.”
Wee also questioned Yong’s motives, suggesting that the criticism was meant to gain attention rather than constructively improve the product. “If something’s not right, let’s fix it — don’t make Sarawakians lose face in front of outsiders.”
He said unity and respect are crucial as Sarawak rises on the national stage. “We’ve worked hard to bring this state up. Don’t sabotage it for your own interest or publicity. Unity is strength. When outsiders see how united we are, they won’t dare touch us. But if they see a ‘white ant’ — an internal saboteur — they’ll wait for their chance.”
The Kenyalang savings account and its exclusive debit card were introduced by Affin Bank last month. The Sarawak government, through strategic acquisitions, now holds a 31.25 per cent stake in the bank, making it the largest shareholder.
Wee urged all parties to view the card’s design fairly and avoid politicising a product meant to instil pride in Sarawakians. “This is more than a bank card. It’s a symbol of our identity, and a step forward in showcasing our strength as a united Sarawak.” — DayakDaily
