'Deeply upset' Seai Kie slams Utusan: Support not 'RACIALIZE' local food industry

I am deeply upset with Utusan Malaysia’s racist remarks which had belittled Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) initiative to promote the local food industry.

As a multiracial country which has been independent for over 55 years now, I am truly disappointed to see that race is still the main consideration instead of national interest. Instead of attacking at each other over our racial differences, it will be better for us as Malaysians to mutually respect, accept and celebrate our differences and gain strength through our diversity.

For example, by promoting the multicultural, multi-ethnicity and multi-religious of all Malaysians, we can profile Malaysia as a very unique, comprehensive and colourful country, just like our Tourism Ministry’s slogan of “Malaysia Truly Asia” which was successful in attracting tourists all over the world to Malaysia.

Besides that, through our vernacular education system which has enabled our people to speak many languages, we can overcome the communication barrier which is an advantage in attracting foreign investors, thus making Malaysia more competitive in the global arena.

Therefore, DBKL’s initiative to invest in Jalan Alor should be supported. There is nothing wrong in promoting our local food as a tourist attraction because it is considered a tourist area in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. However, as Malaysians who appreciate our multicultural value, we also hope that their effort won’t stop there but will be extended to develop other types of food hubs for Malay food, Indian food, Nyonya food etc at other places to further promote the local food industry.

By promoting our local food, we can also help to boost our tourism and hospitality industry which will in turn help to increase our nation’s revenue, thus expanding the economic pie to benefit everyone of all races. So for Utusan to say that only the Chinese will benefit is wrong.

I also urge Utusan as an influential media organization in Malaysia to be more responsible and cautious in their writing because they can mislead the public and to be more inclusive and open when talking about policies and initiatives by the government instead of turning it into a racial issue.

Datuk Heng Seai Kie
MCA Publicity Bureau Chairman
MCA Deputy National Organising Secretary