DAP: M'sians can differentiate communism and 'cheeky advertising'

DAP leaders have joined in voicing objections to the authorities tearing down posters from a Penang restaurant that featured the artwork that featured communist-China caricatures.

DAP deputy secretary-general Nga Kor Ming (above) and veteran Lim Kit Siang both described the decorations as "cheeky" advertising.

"Come on, Malaysians in the 21st century are able to distinguish themselves communist ideology from marketing gimmicks," Nga said in a tweet.

The tweet also shared a photo of Mao shaking hands with former prime minister Abdul Razak Hussein - who formally established modern diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China.

Yesterday, police raided the Xiang Ge 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. 

Meanwhile, Lim in a statement said the police special branch would not have reacted in such a way in the old days.

"The special branch in the early years would not have reacted in such a fashion as to regard a cheeky food advertisement as promoting Chinese communism.

"The special branch must not suspect a communist under every table but move ahead with the times," he said.

Lim added that Malaysia and China have had diplomatic ties for 46 years which must be maintained.

MCA had earlier expressed similar sentiments, saying the authorities action could harm ties with China.

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