KUALA LUMPUR – The National Language must be respected not only by the diverse communities in Malaysia but also by foreigners, including tourists visiting the country.
This was the sentiment expressed by Dr. Loh Sheng Nian, better known as Dr. Shawn Loh, the founder and president of the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurs Association.
Dr. Shawn highlighted that signage regulations have been in place for years to ensure the National Language, Bahasa Melayu, is prioritized in all displays.
“Every country has its own laws, including those related to signage. We must respect our country’s laws so that others will respect us as well.
“Bahasa Melayu should be the primary language on signage, with other languages used only as supplementary,” he told Malaya Daily Today (MDT).
Dr. Shawn further stated that it is unfair to prioritize tourists from one country while neglecting others, as tourists from various countries contribute to tourism taxes.
“We need to be fair to all tourists. We shouldn’t be overly focused on attracting tourists from China to the extent of disregarding those from Europe, the Middle East, and other regions who also come here to experience Malaysia’s uniqueness.
“Tourists come here to experience the real Malaysia, not a version of another country,” he stressed.
Additionally, Dr. Shawn reminded that tourists must also respect Malaysia’s Constitution, including the use of the official language in the public sector.
“Malaysia is known as ‘Truly Asia.’ We don’t need to imitate other countries, like China, to attract their tourists. Tourists want to experience Malaysia’s unique culture, not something that resembles their homeland,” he added. -MalayaDailyToday
