KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the "overreaction" by some quarters over the waving of Chinese flags at an event in Teluk Intan, Perak recently could have a negative impact on tourism.
Tiong, who is Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, said the overreaction by some quarters not only contradict Malaysia's values of moderation, but can also give the impression that Malaysia does not welcome foreign tourists to join cultural events.
"Before this, flags of other countries were flown in events organised in Malaysia without criticism. So why are the critics practising double standards in this case," he said in a Facebook post today.
He said the unity government consistently stresses the need to respect all cultures, with the aim of fostering unity and harmony among all Malaysians.
He claimed some individuals were taking advantage by worsening the situation.
The International Guan Gong Cultural Festival, he said, was an international cultural event which features participants from countries such as Vietnam, Thailand and China.
"The Chinese participants could have flown their flags as a sign of support and in the spirit of celebrating the event with those from other backgrounds, especially in view of the 50th anniversary of Malaysia - China ties," he said.
He said although the celebration is held in a similar fashion in neighbouring countries, they were not mired in controversy.
Tiong said he backed Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad's view that the act wasn't a crime.
"If those flying the flags weren't Malaysians, it shouldn't be a problem.
"The fear is that if we continue to harp on this, it could scare away tourists from visiting Malaysia, thus affecting the tourism industry," he said.
The minister took aim at Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh.
"He appears to be setting barriers and obstacles which could hamper the nation's development and growth. What are his true intentions?"
Akmal Saleh had previously called on the government to mete out stern action against the event organisers following te flying of the Chinese flags by some participants.
Akmal said he did not accept the organisers' apology and has asked Perak Umno Youth to lodge a police report.
The Guan Gong Cultural Association of Malaysia had previously apologised to all Malaysians for the incident involving the waving of China flags during the festival in Teluk Intan on Oct 24.
Its chairman, Soon Boon Hua, said that the act of waving the flag of another country was never planned in the existing programme itinerary prepared by the organisers.
from 17 Chinese nationals involved in the festival, held at Dataran Menara Condong.
Police said they were also working to identify other foreign flags displayed in the parade, noting that the viral video which sparked the incident also showed Thailand and Vietnam flags.