PETALING JAYA: "What is wrong with political party leaders speaking up for the people?" asked MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
He was referring to the concern raised by an non-government organisation (NGO) from Petaling Street, which centred on the possibility of removing the Chinese characters from the iconic Petaling Street signage.
The organisation had sought help from the Madani government and political leaders.
"Can't political leaders respond to their plea?" asked Dr Wee, who is also the Ayer Hitam MP.
He had explained his stance at a Chinese New Year open house event on Sunday (Feb 23). Dr Wee was an invited guest and officiated the event hosted by the Federal Territory MCA and the Kuala Lumpur Hawkers and Petty Traders Association.
During the event, Datuk Ang Say Tee, chairman of the Kuala Lumpur Hawkers and Petty Traders Association, raised concerns about possible plans to remove the Chinese words from the Petaling Street signage.
"Officials told me they are still considering it. No decision has been made yet. I hope the MCA or the Madani government will fight to retain the Chinese characters on the 'Petaling Street' sign," said Ang.
Dr Wee emphasised that Ang, as a leader of the hawker association, had raised legitimate concerns during the event.
He questioned why political leaders and the unity government shouldn't address such matters.
"As long as the signage complies with the Advertisements (Federal Territories) By-Laws 1982 and the Local Government Act 1976, which ensure that the Malay language remains predominant, the inclusion of the Chinese characters for 'Petaling Street' should not be an issue," Dr Wee stressed.
"So I responded. What is wrong with that? Should I ignore the concerns raised by NGOs?" Dr Wee stated.
He emphasised that compliance with laws was crucial but stressed the importance of respecting cultural heritage.
In response to criticism, Dr Wee asked, "When did Wee Ka Siong ever reveal an intention to remove the Chinese characters from the Petaling Street arch? Please do not make baseless accusations."
Earlier, an online report stated that DAP blamed Wee for causing unnecessary uproar within the Chinese community with his unfounded claim that the Kuala Lumpur City Hall planned to remove the Chinese characters from the Petaling Street signboard.
Kuala Lumpur City Hall had also recently stated there are no plans to alter or remove the Chinese script of the current signage at Petaling Street as it adheres to official guidelines and policies.
It also refuted claims that there was a proposal to remove the Chinese characters from the signboard, saying it was baseless.
City Hall explained that all decisions regarding signboards are made following the Federal Territory Advertisement By-Laws 1982, considering heritage, cultural aspects and the needs of the local community.
Dr Wee posted on his Facebook on Tuesday (Feb 25) to clarify his remarks made at the Chinese New Year event and to tell his critics not to ignore public concerns.
