Row over change of ‘clothes’ for Kuching’s iconic cat statue

FMT:

 

Row over change of

‘clothes’ for Kuching’s

iconic cat statue

FMT Reporters

-29 Dec 2024, 10:30 PM

Kuching South mayor dismisses criticism over the statue’s ‘attire’ being changed so quickly when Christmas had only just passed.

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Dignitaries taking part in a music video being shot for Kuching South City Council’s Chinese New Year song. (Ukas pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

A change of “clothes” for the iconic cat statue in Kuching, Sarawak, sparked a minor controversy after its Christmas attire was changed to traditional Chinese clothing.

However, Kuching South mayor Wee Hong Seng dismissed criticism on social media about the statue’s “attire” being changed so quickly when Christmas had only just passed.

The change was made for the shooting of a music video for the Kuching South City Council’s Chinese New Year song to be released on Jan 2.

Wee said it would have been inappropriate if the statue was still decked in its Christmas attire in the video, The Borneo Post reported.

“We assure the public that we are mindful of these seasonal transitions. Dressing the cat according to festive themes is part of our broader efforts to attract more visitors and enhance the city’s appeal.

“We welcome all feedback, especially constructive criticism, as it helps us improve,” he said.

Some netizens had said it was insensitive for MBKS to change the cat statue’s attire so soon after Christmas, saying the city council should have waited until Jan 1 at least before changing the decoration.

Others however argued that this was necessary given that Chinese New Year falls on Jan 29.