By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 29: Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) deputy president Dato Henry Harry Jinep has called the ongoing signboard debate an unnecessary distraction, urging politicians to focus on pressing issues like infrastructure development and tourism enhancement.
He was responding to the controversy involving West Malaysian politicians targeting Federal Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Dato Seri Tiong King Sing over Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) removal of Chinese-language signboards along Jalan Imbi, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.
“Why make a big issue out of something as minor as signboards?
“Malaysia has thrived for over six decades, thanks to the contributions of its diverse communities—Malays, Indians, Chinese, Sikhs, Bugis, Javanese, Bidayuh, Iban, Kadazan, and many more. Everyone has the right to celebrate their culture and heritage,” Henry told DayakDaily when asked for his views.
Henry, who also serves as Sarawak’s Deputy Minister of Transport (Riverine and Maritime), highlighted Sarawak’s inclusive approach through its CANFF concept—Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food, and Festivals—designed to celebrate the State’s diversity and attract tourists.
“West Malaysia should emulate Sarawak, where cultural displays like multilingual signboards are embraced. If I want to put a signboard with a Bidayuh name, I will, because it’s just a signboard. Representing culture doesn’t harm anyone, and it offers something for tourists to see.
“Similarly, in West Malaysia, some signboards include Jawi script. While Jawi is not the national language, it’s part of the cultural fabric. If you remove Chinese characters or Jawi, it’s like erasing those communities’ contributions,” he explained.
Instead of debating signboards, Henry called on politicians to prioritise infrastructure improvement, cleanliness, and tourism growth.
The controversy stems from DBKL’s enforcement of the Small Signboards (FT) 1982 Bylaws, requiring Bahasa Malaysia on all signboards.
The removal of Chinese characters, commonly used due to the area’s large Chinese-speaking population, sparked backlash, with critics labelling the policy as regressive and inconsistent with Malaysia’s multicultural identity.
Minister Tiong defended his stance, highlighting the negative perception this enforcement has created among Chinese tourists. He stated that the emotional backlash threatens Malaysia’s reputation as a welcoming destination.
On Nov 25, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) MP Mas Ermieyati Samsudin criticised Tiong, stating that as Minister of Culture, he should prioritise Bahasa Malaysia’s prominence.
Two days later, UMNO Youth Chief Muhamad Akmal Saleh challenged Tiong to a debate on the matter through a Facebook post.
Henry dismissed such arguments as distractions, emphasising the need for progress and unity to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a multicultural and tourist-friendly nation. — DayakDaily
