PETALING JAYA: Business and retailer associations commended Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing for calling out the “extremist culture” of politicians and asked other ministers to emulate him.
In a joint statement, nine retail associations and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) stated that calls to intervene in communities’ freedoms should not be tolerated because they would disrupt the harmony between races.
“We unreservedly commend the Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister for his courage and conviction to voice out the overarching intervention of politicians on ‘extremist culture’ in our country.
“Their callous actions will further erode the mutual respect of all communities living harmoniously in our multi-racial, multi-cultural society, as well as further divide the nation in this era of rebuilding a united and progressive society.
“There has always been mutual respect among the rakyat, and it is this very diverse yet harmonious culture that has made Malaysia distinctive and uniquely appealing to tourists.
“We call on all ministers in this Unity Government to speak up and right any wrongs on any relevant matters, so as to halt any further misunderstandings and unnecessary simmering of hurt and extremism,” they added.
The nine associations are the Bumiputra Retailers Organisation, Industries Unite, Building Management Association of Malaysia, Federation of Malaysia Business Associations, Malaysian Association of Theme Parks and Family Attractions, Malaysia Retailers Association, Malaysia Retail Chains Association, Malaysia Shopping Malls Association, as well as the Restaurant and Bistros Association.
On Jan 14, Tiong – in responding to the demand of PAS’ Muhammad Fawwaz Muhammad Jan for a beer promotion event at a mall in Penang to be covered up – said an “extremist culture” that harms the nation and destroys the harmony of a plural society should not exist.
He added that the Permatang Pauh MP should understand that Malaysia is a multiracial and multireligious country.
