By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 24: Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Dato Seri Tiong King Sing has criticised former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad following the latter’s criticism over signboards with large Chinese characters.
Tiong noted that the recent controversy surrounding the enforcement of bilingual signboard regulations has provoked unnecessary emotional backlash which led to visible dissatisfaction and created a negative perception among international tourists.
“Some visitors have even directly questioned me, asking, ‘Is Malaysia a racist or religiously extreme country?’
“Such doubts directly influence their decision to visit Malaysia and undermine the nation’s global competitiveness.
“In reality, Malaysia is a multiracial, multicultural, and multi-religious country. We must not allow a false negative image to overshadow this truth,” he said in a statement today.
He also made the call as concerns grow over the potential impact of such issues on the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign and the country’s role as ASEAN Chair in 2025.
“Bilingual signboards, for instance, not only demonstrate inclusivity but also serve as a cultural attraction.
“By embracing and promoting diversity, Malaysia can transform its cultural heritage into an economic advantage that contributes to national growth,” he added.
On Nov 18, Dr Mahathir, through his X account, expressed concern over the predominance of Chinese characters on signboards in new shopping complexes in Kuala Lumpur.
“All the signboards are in Chinese with English translations. Nothing in Malay. Not at all. So is this Malaysia or have we become a part of China?” he questioned.
The next day (Nov 19), Dr Mahathir shared three photos he took of the restaurants at Bukit Jalil Pavilion with Chinese characters.
Following this, Tiong further questioned Dr Mahathir whether his leadership truly fostered national unity or significantly advanced Malaysia’s economy.
“Despite his 22 years as the fourth Prime Minister, his tenure as the seventh was short-lived. Shouldn’t he reflect on his own shortcomings?
“As a statesman, Mahathir should support and collaborate with the younger generation to ensure Malaysia’s stability and progress, rather than clinging to outdated views.
“In recent years, his statements have been more divisive than constructive, offering little to economic growth or social harmony.
“Constantly raising racial and religious issues does nothing to advance the nation; instead, it poses a threat to the very foundation of our cultural diversity,” he remarked.
At the same time, Tiong urged Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to focus on enhancing infrastructure and creating tourist attractions, rather than enforcing controversial policies that project a regressive image.
This comment likely stemmed from DBKL’s operation on Oct 14, 2024, to remove Chinese signboards along Jalan Imbi in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.
DBKL’s decision to enforce the removal of signboards for not displaying the message in Bahasa Malaysia was seen as an effort to observe compliance with the Small Signboards (FT) 1982 Bylaws.
However, the removal of Chinese characters, which had been widely used due to the large Chinese-speaking population, sparked criticism. Many viewed the policy as regressive and out of step with Malaysia’s multicultural identity. — DayakDaily
