Cool it on KL signboards, minister tells politicians

 

Politicians have been crossing swords over signboards in Kuala Lumpur that do not give prominence to the national language.

PETALING JAYA: 

Federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa has called on politicians to stop fuelling a controversy over Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) actions against business signboards that do not follow rules on giving prominence to the national language.

Zaliha defended DBKL’s enforcement actions, saying City Hall was merely carrying out its duties. She said the city’s advertisement by-laws require all advertisements to be primarily in Malay with other languages used in smaller sizes.

Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

“It should be emphasised that this enforcement is a routine duty of DBKL. It is not driven by pressure from any party or individual but is based on ensuring compliance with applicable regulations,” she said.

“I urge all parties, including politicians, to stop fuelling this controversy. We have many important agendas that require attention, and playing on racial sentiments like this will only create division and polarisation among the public.”

She said City Hall had issued 264 notices and taken action against 36 premises so far this year regarding non-compliant signboards.

Business owners were given reasonable notice to take corrective action before enforcement was carried out, she said.

She urged Malaysians to “collectively raise the dignity of our national language as part of our national image” as Malaysia will take over the Asean chairmanship next year, and 2026 is Visit Malaysia Year.

The signboard controversy arose on Nov 18 after a posting by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad that Malaysia was unlike other Southeast Asian nations in allowing shops to display Chinese characters prominently. He said this could be due to the numerous tourists from China.

In response, tourism, arts and culture minister Tiong King Sing said Mahathir’s statement did little to foster unity. Tiong said he did not support DBKL’s enforcement against shop owners who did not give priority to the national language on signboards.

He said the enforcement has resulted in emotional reactions and crossed unnecessary boundaries. He claimed that tourists have questioned Malaysia’s openness and inclusiveness as a result of DBKL’s actions.

Wanita Bersatu chief Mas Ermieyati Samsudin and a group of Umno veterans then said the government should consider removing Tiong from his portfolio as he should have defended the use of the national language on signboards. - FMT