Malaysia's Chinese political parties in war of words over signs

Case of Chinese characters on signboards sees MCA, DAP vie to be cultural defenders

- Lu Wei Hoong

KUALA LUMPUR/KAMPAR - A heated exchange of words between two ethnic Chinese political parties within Malaysia's ruling coalition has erupted over the issue of Chinese signage, with the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) and Democratic Action Party (DAP) rallying to position themselves as champions of the local Chinese community.

At issue were a suggestion to remove some Chinese signage in Jalan Petaling, in the heart of Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown, which did not materialize, and a missing Chinese-character signboard in a community hall in Perak that was eventually restored after renovation works.

But these presented opportunities for the two parties to defend Chinese culture and identity in Malaysia - for the once-mighty MCA to regain lost ground, and for its long-time rival DAP to reaffirm its standing among Chinese voters ahead of the party's national congress and triennial elections on March 16.

On Feb 23, MCA president Wee Ka Siong declared he would do his "utmost" to defend the use of Chinese characters in Jalan Petaling, responding to concerns raised by the local hawkers' association that a Kuala Lumpur City Hall officer had suggested removing Chinese characters from two signboards during a meeting in June 2024 about beautifying Jalan Petaling.