Chinese Muslim preacher Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah has once again sparked discussion online after questioning the lack of Malay language on commercial signboards around Cheras and Leisure Mall.
In a post on Threads, Tee criticised what he described as a lack of regulation over the number and language used on business signboards in the area, with some allegedly not displaying Malay.
“Where is the local council?”
Tee described the area as looking “like Hong Kong”, arguing that there were too many signboards and insufficient regulation. He questioned whether the situation reflected Malaysia’s national identity.
“Malay has fallen to third place, and some signboards don’t even have Malay. Is the local authority sleeping?” he wrote.
He also raised concerns about roadside stalls allegedly occupying pedestrian walkways and spaces along the road.
Netizens divided over his remarks
One netizen criticised Tee, saying that although he still retains his Chinese name, some of his comments and actions had gone too far.
The netizen also questioned whether Tee’s repeated remarks on such issues were aimed at gaining support from the Malay community or expanding his social media audience.
Others, however, took a more moderate view.
One Muslim netizen said Chinese-language signs were not necessarily a problem, while another stressed the importance of respecting Malaysia’s different ethnic groups, cultures and religions.
Some also argued that the issue should be viewed from the perspective of local council regulations and enforcement, rather than being framed as a racial issue.
Focus on signboard rules or race?
Netizens pointed out that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has regulations governing the language and display of commercial signboards.
As a result, some argued that the large number of Chinese-language signs around Cheras and Leisure Mall could be addressed through enforcement and regulatory channels.
Others maintained that Tee’s comments were primarily about commercial signboard regulations and national identity, rather than an attack on Chinese culture.
The discussion over Tee’s own cultural and ethnic identity also resurfaced, with some netizens debating his background and his increasingly outspoken views on issues involving language, religion and different communities.
Follow Wah Piang for more.
