Minister Nga Kor Ming to Discuss Nomination of Chinese Villages as UNESCO Sites with UMNO Leaders

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has expressed his intention to engage in discussions with UMNO leaders regarding his proposal to nominate new Chinese villages in Selangor as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This move comes after facing criticism from Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's party, with several UMNO leaders suggesting that the proposal could impact the position of the Malay-Bumiputera community.

UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan has cautioned against racially charged statements made by DAP leaders, emphasizing the need for carefulness to avoid offending the Malay and Bumiputera communities and maintain societal harmony.

In response, UMNO deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Wajdi Dusuki has rejected Nga's proposal, citing its potential implications on the Malay-Bumiputera position in the country.

However, Nga has clarified that he has already initiated discussions with UMNO leaders to address their concerns. He emphasized the importance of understanding the facts and avoiding misleading narratives that could divide society.

Nga also assured that his ministry would conduct a comprehensive feasibility study on the proposal's viability before presenting it for Cabinet deliberation.

He reiterated that the nomination of Chinese new villages as UNESCO World Heritage Sites aims to recognize their cultural and historical significance over the past 76 years. This proposal has sparked debate, with some, like local film director Michael Ang, expressing concerns about its potential to further divide Malaysians.

Nga's recent proposal follows a previous controversy where he was criticized for an incident involving his MPV allegedly tailgating an ambulance to escape a traffic jam. He has been called upon to address the actions of the MPV driver, whether or not he was present in the vehicle at the time.

Despite the criticism, Nga remains committed to his proposal and hopes that through constructive dialogue, all parties can reach a mutual understanding.

He believes that recognizing the cultural and historical significance of these villages is essential for preserving Malaysia's rich heritage and promoting cultural diversity.

Nga emphasized that his proposal is not intended to create division but rather to celebrate the unique heritage of these villages and promote unity among Malaysians. He urged all parties to refrain from framing the issue as one rooted in racial tensions, as such narratives only serve to divide the nation.

The Minister reiterated his commitment to engaging with UMNO leaders and other stakeholders to address their concerns and ensure that the nomination process is conducted transparently and inclusively.

He also expressed his willingness to work with all parties to find common ground and move forward in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.

In conclusion, Minister Nga Kor Ming's proposal to nominate Chinese villages in Selangor as UNESCO World Heritage Sites reflects his commitment to preserving Malaysia's cultural heritage and promoting unity among its diverse communities. Through constructive dialogue and cooperation, he hopes to achieve consensus and advance the country's cultural preservation efforts.

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