PETALING JAYA: Kuala Lumpur Hawkers and Petty Traders Association chairman Datuk Seri Ang Say Tee (pic) said he had been told by a Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) official that there was a suggestion to remove the Chinese characters from the Petaling Street signboard, although the plan was not approved.
In an interview with Oriental Daily, Ang said it happened after attending a meeting about the beautification of Petaling Street last June.
He said that after the meeting, a DBKL official told him outside of the venue, "there was a mention in the internal documents about removing the Chinese characters".
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While the suggestion was not formally proposed or approved at the meeting, Ang said he was told there were plans for such a proposal - which is why he feared the issue could be revisited in future.
Initially dismissing the matter, Ang grew concerned that the Petaling Street signboard might lose its Chinese characters, as has happened elsewhere post-beautification.
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"I was worried, especially since the beautification project for Petaling Street starts next month. I am concerned that the Chinese characters might vanish unexpectedly."
Feeling his influence was limited, Ang publicly raised the issue at a recent Chinese New Year dinner, urging the MCA to help defend the signage.
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Ang reiterated that he was the first to raise the concern, unrelated to MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
While all reports clearly stated that he was the source, Ang questioned why some people deliberately misconstrued the facts.
He stressed that "Petaling Street" represents Chinese dignity and national history, and is a tourist landmark.
"Therefore, the three Chinese characters of 'Petaling Street' must not be removed or changed."
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Earlier, an online report said that DAP had blamed Dr Wee for causing an unnecessary uproar within the Chinese community with his unfounded claim that the DBKL planned to remove the Chinese characters from the Petaling Street signboard.
DBKL had also recently stated there are no plans to alter or remove the Chinese script on 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.
Following DBKL's clarification, Ang said the matter should be put to rest and urged everyone to focus on more important matters, saying that he had received assurances from the Kuala Lumpur Mayor and the Housing and Local Government Minister that the characters would remain.
"We can now rest easy without worrying anymore. And no one should distort the fact that I raised the matter first.
"I'm not concerned with political struggles and do not wish to be involved in party conflicts. I just want to focus solely on solving problems," he said.
He also expressed concern over rising conservatism and extremism affecting racial harmony and stability in the country.
Ang also expressed gratitude to the mayor, the minister, Dr Wee and all concerned parties, the Chinese community and others for ensuring that the Chinese signage on Petaling Street remains intact, allowing traders to operate peacefully.
