Is Tiong China's tourism minister or Malaysia's, asks Wan Fayhsal
N Faizal Ghazali, Hariz Mohd & Ili Aqilah
Published: Nov 25, 2024 8:28 PM
Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal has criticised Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing for apologising to China tourists.
At a press conference in Parliament today, the Bersatu lawmaker questioned Tiong’s motives and reasoning, describing the move as unwarranted and trivial.
“I want to criticise the foolish reasoning of the tourism minister. Is he the tourism minister of China to Malaysia?
“Why is he apologising in China? Is it because we allegedly don’t treat Chinese tourists well or lack the infrastructure to accommodate them?
“I just returned from China (Beijing and Shanghai). Was there ever an issue of us begging for English signboards there? No. We understand their policies and laws,” Wan Fayhsal said.
His comments came in response to media reports about Tiong’s recent apology during a speech at the China International Travel Mart (CITM) opening in Shanghai.
Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing
In his speech, Tiong acknowledged that some Chinese tourists had unpleasant experiences in Malaysia and apologised for the shortcomings.
The Bintulu MP stated that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim took the matter seriously and directed relevant authorities to enhance safety measures and ensure a positive tourist experience.
More Chinese than China
Elaborating, Wan Fayhsal argued that Chinese tourists visit Malaysia to experience the country’s unique offerings, not to see a “more Chinese” version of their homeland.
“Chinese tourists come here not to see us being more Chinese than them. They come to enjoy what Malaysia has to offer.
“In my view, the arguments presented by the tourism minister are trivial excuses, reflecting a chauvinistic mindset akin to DAP, even though he is not from DAP.
“This is the kind of person who plays racial politics, dividing Malaysia’s unity and disrespecting the position of the Malay language as the national language,” he added.
In his speech, Tiong acknowledged that some Chinese tourists had unpleasant experiences in Malaysia and apologised for the shortcomings.
The Bintulu MP stated that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim took the matter seriously and directed relevant authorities to enhance safety measures and ensure a positive tourist experience.
More Chinese than China
Elaborating, Wan Fayhsal argued that Chinese tourists visit Malaysia to experience the country’s unique offerings, not to see a “more Chinese” version of their homeland.
“Chinese tourists come here not to see us being more Chinese than them. They come to enjoy what Malaysia has to offer.
“In my view, the arguments presented by the tourism minister are trivial excuses, reflecting a chauvinistic mindset akin to DAP, even though he is not from DAP.
“This is the kind of person who plays racial politics, dividing Malaysia’s unity and disrespecting the position of the Malay language as the national language,” he added.
No comments:
Post a Comment