KUALA LUMPUR: Tempers flared in the Lower House today after opposition lawmaker Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin questioned the recent statement made by Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing over Kuala Lumpur City Hall's (DBKL) enforcement against Chinese-language signboards.
Mas Ermieyati, who is Masjid Tanah member of parliament, said such a statement from Tiong, who is the Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, was incorrect and embarrassing.
She also said Tiong should instead promote and defend Malaysia's culture towards tourists.
"I was shocked when the minister claimed that DBKL's action to ensure that businesses in the country comply with the law by displaying signage in the national language would influence tourists' decisions to visit Malaysia.
"This is a wrong and embarrassing statement, as the minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, you should be promoting our culture.
"Just look at Thailand and Indonesia, they don't go around trying to please tourists by using their own language... but why is it that in Malaysia we have to do that?
"The minister's statement is very dangerous and can be described as a 3R statement, seemingly belittling tourists from China," she said during her debate for the ministry's 2025 Supply Bill at the committee level.
Mas Ermieyati's remarks, however, were lambasted by government backbenchers including Chong Zhemin (PH-Kampar) who argued that the former's remarks were a malicious accusation against Tiong.
"Masjid Tanah (Mas Ermieyati) just made a statement that could confuse the House," said Chong when interjecting.
Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Alice Lau then told Chong to sit down and allow Mas Ermieyati to finish her debate.
Following this, Mas Ermieyati suggested that the government consider giving Tiong a different portfolio.
"Let him carry out raids and such. He is more suited for enforcement because of the statements he has made."
Meanwhile, Chong later raised Standing Orders 36(6) and 36(12) for having ill intentions.
Lau, however, concluded that the matter would be addressed by the ministry later during the winding-up session.