PETALING JAYA: The enforcement by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) on some signboards could tarnish Malaysia's image as a diverse and multi-cultural nation, says Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
The Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister said foreign tourists had asked him about DBKL's operation on several premises in the nation's capital.
"Foreign tourists have asked me: 'Is Malaysia a racist country or a religious extremist one?'," he said.
"Such doubts could affect tourists' decisions to visit Malaysia and hinder the country's competitiveness in the global market," he said in a statement on Sunday (Nov 24).
It was reported last month that DBKL issued a 14-day notice to five premises to take down their signboards for not upholding the national language.
In a Facebook post, City Hall said that the signboards had breached the Small Signboards (FT) 1982 Bylaws for sidelining Bahasa Malaysia. It also showed examples of signboards that only featured Bahasa Malaysia in small wording.
Tiong said bilingual signboards not only reflect Malaysia's international friendliness but also form a core element of the country's cultural appeal.
"By embracing and promoting this diversity, Malaysia can transform its multi-cultural heritage into an economic advantage, contributing to national growth," he said.
He reiterated that multi-culturalism is not a weakness but a competitive advantage.
"By rejecting narrow-mindedness and avoiding an overemphasis on racial and religious issues, we can build a better future for the nation, unite its people, and drive the country forward together."
Tiong suggested that DBKL focus on initiatives that benefit the community.
"I propose that DBKL collaborates with the Visit Malaysia Year campaign by improving the city's basic infrastructure and creating more attractions for tourists, offering them new and exciting experiences to explore in Kuala Lumpur."
DBKL, he said, should embody the spirit of modernity and openness befitting the capital city.
He said that Malaysia could not afford to project a false, negative image that does not reflect reality.
Tiong also highlighted Malaysia's role next year when it assumes the Asean chairmanship role.
