SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - Kuala Lumpur city authorities launched a crackdown on Nov. 21 enforcing regulations that require all advertising signs to display Malay language text larger than other languages, following former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's criticism of Chinese-language dominated signage on Nov. 18.
Tourism Minister Tiong King Sing warned on Sunday that "Kuala Lumpur's decision raises questions about Malaysia's openness and inclusivity among tourists" and "some foreigners have asked me if Malaysia is racist or religiously extreme."
The Chinese Restaurant Association in Kuala Lumpur reported that about 15,000 Chinese restaurants would be affected by the measure, while the opposition Perikatan Nasional party called for Tiong's dismissal for allegedly undermining the Malay language.
The controversy escalated after city officials conducted enforcement operations, though they denied targeting Chinese language signs specifically or acting in response to Mahathir's comments. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions in Malaysia's multiethnic society, which has historically experienced conflicts between its Malay majority and Chinese minority communities.
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