LAWMAKERS traded barbs after an Opposition MP said recent remarks by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing on the enforcement of regulations regarding languages used in signage had “stoked sentiments”.
The shouting match broke out after Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (PN-Masjid Tanah) alleged that Tiong had touched on 3R (race, religion and royalty) matters.
“I also appeal for the Madani administration to transfer the Tourism Minister to another ministry with a purview over enforcement matters.
“Let him conduct raids and more as it’s more suitable,” she said when debating Budget 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
Mas Ermieyati also claimed that stores in countries like Thailand and Indonesia did not use signboards featuring foreign languages.
“So why must we do this in Malaysia? Foreign tourists do not even pay attention to the language used. They will still visit the shops.
“The minister should retract his remarks and focus on uplifting our national culture,” she said.
Chong Zhemin (PH-Kampar), however, raised the standing order, arguing that Mas Ermieyati was misleading the House.
He also argued whether brands like KFC had Malay language on its signboards.
“Under the Housing and Local Government Ministry’s guidelines, Chinese, Tamil and English signboards are permitted with the condition that Bahasa Malaysia is also included,” he said.
Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Alice Lau then called for calm.
“Matters raised by YB Masjid Tanah (Mas Ermieyati) can be answered by the deputy minister later,” said Lau.
On Sunday, Tiong said Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) enforcement action on some signboards could tarnish Malaysia’s image as a diverse and multicultural nation.
He said foreign tourists had asked him about the issue, adding that bilingual signboards not only reflect Malaysia’s international friendliness but also form a core element of the country’s cultural appeal.
Last month, DBKL issued a 14-day notice to five premises to take down their signboards for not upholding the national language.
In a Facebook post, DBKL said the signboards had breached the Small Signboards (FT) 1982 by-laws for sidelining Bahasa Malaysia.
