(Sibu, 24th) Sarawak United People's Party Dudong Branch Youth Leader and City Councillor, Yin Shihua, expressed deep reflection and pride regarding the recent signboard controversy at Sultan Street Hawker Center in Sanhe Port, West Malaysia. As Sarawak residents, we firmly believe that such a situation would never occur in our hometown.
He said Sarawak is renowned for its harmonious coexistence of diverse cultures, where people from different ethnic groups respect each other's languages, cultures, and traditions. This is reflected not only in daily life but also in public policies and the social atmosphere.
"For example, in Sarawak, coffee shops commonly display multilingual signs, fully showcasing our inclusivity and respect for cultural diversity. What's more gratifying is that in one coffee shop, vendors from different ethnicities operate their own stalls, allowing diners to enjoy a variety of ethnic cuisines in one place, creating a warm and harmonious environment."
In contrast to this incident, he noted the differences in multicultural management between Sarawak and West Malaysia. Malaysia, as a multi-ethnic nation, shouldn't merely be a society composed of different races but should embody the true spirit of integration. Signboards in different languages are not just tools for conveying information; they are symbols of each ethnic group's culture and history. Removing these iconic languages is tantamount to erasing a piece of history and memory, which is hard to accept.
He said this incident made him cherish the spirit of unity in Sarawak even more. We value each other's cultural traditions, never centering on a single language or culture, but instead co-creating a diverse and harmonious social atmosphere. This is not only Sarawak's pride but also the best interpretation of Malaysia's founding spirit.
He hopes that this controversy can prompt all parties to reassess the rationality of policies and the importance of multiculturalism. May every Malaysian prove through action that true harmony comes from respecting and cherishing each other's cultures, rather than erasing the historical imprints of diversity.