Kuala Lumpur: Muslim preacher and Muafakat Nasional deputy president Ridhuan Tee Abdullah sparked debate on Threads after questioning why a Hungry Ghost Festival banner in Ampang was not written in Bahasa Melayu.
Ridhuan posted an image of the banner and two accompanying flags at the Taman Kosas junction, asking: “Is this China? Where’s the national language position? Doesn’t MPAJ monitor them?”He said religious freedom was guaranteed, but the country’s agenda and the position of the national language should also be respected.
The post drew thousands of reactions and comments, with many users explaining that the Chinese-language banner was intended for the Chinese community observing the festival.
Others criticised Ridhuan for raising racial and linguistic sensitivities over a religious announcement, while some said using Bahasa Melayu could instead confuse the event’s intended audience.