KUCHING, March 17: Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Dato Sri Tiong King Sing has appealed to netizens to give constructive views and criticism on developing the tourism industry instead of inciting and sowing hatred due to clashing opinions.
He said while he welcomed open views and various comments and criticisms from netizens, he reminded that the original objective of social media is to improve the communication process in a matter, instead of making it a platform to blindly ‘hentam’ (hit) other parties without facts and solid foundation.
He cited an example of the effort to improve airports as the nation’s first image to the international community, where the initiative to provide interpreters for international tourists from the Middle East, China, and India at the entry points is meant to facilitate their arrival process to guarantee management efficiency.
“The same applies to the suggestion for us to study and learn from Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries which are in the phase of developing their tourism sector. They are seen to be very open and welcoming and celebrate the presence of foreign tourists, especially from Western countries. This is their way to develop their tourism sector.
“Once again, I appeal (to netizens to) give constructive views and criticism instead of inciting and sowing hatred just because of a difference of opinion to the point of linking it as an inappropriate religious issue. Not everything needs to be linked to any religion because it will only make this country look like extremists that invite fear of foreign tourists.
“This is the best time for us to join hands and unite to develop the country, especially in stimulating economic growth through the tourism sector,” he said in a Facebook post on Wednesday (March 15). — DayakDaily
