MCA says response to Mao wallpaper too harsh, worries about China relations
MCA has expressed concern over the authorities reaction to a Penang restaurant that featured the caricature of communist revolutionary leader Mao Tse Tung, who is also the founder of the People's Republic of China.
MCA vice-president Tan Teik Cheng said the wallpapers at the Hunan cuisine restaurant in Bukit Mertajam, which was raided yesterday, were only decorations and the reaction was too harsh and "sensitive"...
MCA has expressed concern over the authorities reaction to a Penang restaurant that featured the caricature of communist revolutionary leader Mao Tse Tung, who is also the founder of the People's Republic of China.
MCA vice-president Tan Teik Cheng said the wallpapers at the Hunan cuisine restaurant in Bukit Mertajam, which was raided yesterday, were only decorations and the reaction was too harsh and "sensitive".
He said the police's handling of the matter was unnecessary and could damage relations with China.
"I advise the authorities not to be too aggressive and to approach matters in a more friendly manner.
"At the same time, I also hope that netizens won't turn the matter into a racial issue to avoid undermining racial harmony and also friendly relations between Malaysia and China," he added.
The MCA bureau chief on China relations noted that the wife of the restaurant owner is from China.
Tan likened the Mao wallpaper at the restaurant to a Malaysian putting up a picture of prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman when opening a restaurant overseas.
He said this should not be regarded as an agenda to promote certain ideologies.
He also stressed that China and Malaysia have had good economic and trade relations.
"From 2013 until the first half of 2020, China had invested a total of RM9.1 billion in the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia.
"China is also playing an active role in helping Malaysia combat the Covid-19 pandemic," he said.
Yesterday, police raided the Xiang Ge Li Li La Authentic Hunan restaurant in Bukit Mertajam and tore down its wallpapers bearing artwork resembling communist caricatures.
The 35-year-old woman who co-owns the restaurant with her husband had said the Chinese text on the poster was not promoting communism but instead carried humorous slogans about food.
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