KUALA LUMPUR – Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has voiced concern over the extensive use of Chinese script at a shopping mall in the capital, raising questions about Malaysia’s national identity.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Dr Mahathir shared his impressions following a weekend visit to one of Kuala Lumpur’s newest shopping complexes.
While he lauded the mall as ‘fantastic’ and ‘better than those in London or Tokyo’, he expressed unease at the overwhelming presence of Chinese script on signage, which he noted appeared to take precedence over the National Language, Bahasa Melayu.
"I suddenly felt like I was in China. All the signboards are in Chinese with English translations. Nothing in Malay. Not at all.
"So, is this Malaysia? Or have we become part of China?” the post read on Monday.
Although he acknowledged the global practice of including English translations for the convenience of international tourists, he criticised the disproportionate emphasis on Chinese script.
He further pointed to reports suggesting some Chinese media outlets have referred to Malaysia as ‘Little China’, citing the widespread use of Chinese script in public spaces as a contributing factor.
"Perhaps this is because we receive many visitors from China,” he said.
Nevertheless, Dr Mahathir highlighted the importance of Bahasa Melayu as the National Language and argued that translations should not diminish its prominence.
"Our national language is Malay,” he added. – AWANI