“There are no Malays” – MP Explains Why Billboard in Penang Only Shows Chinese & Indian Politicians

There’s been a lot of chatter recently about the need for all races in Malaysia to be represented equally on promotional items, pamphlets and more.

One of these instances that has been called out is a billboard stating “Malaysia milik kita bersama” (Malaysia belongs to all of us), though only showing 3 Chinese politicians and 1 Indian politician in Penang.

Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Rashid has since taken to her TikTok page to explain why there wasn’t any Malay representation on the billboard, and no, it’s not because of racism.

Before beginning her explanation, she starts off by sharing the sentiments of those who called out the billboard, “What is this? There are no Malays!”.

She then displayed a similar billboard in Penang, which features her and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. 

“It’s like this, let me explain, don’t get confused. I know there’s now an issue about a billboard in the Jelutong MP’s area which does not showcase any Malays. That’s because this billboard showcases the elected ADUNs, the CM (Chief Minister) and the MP for that area. Like for mine, it showcases PMX and the MP (which is herself),”

“For the Jelutong area, you need to know who the representatives of the area are.”

Her video basically explained that the billboard is merely to show the people’s representatives so that community members know who to approach should they have any concerns, and to squash any notions that racism is involved.

You can check out her video here: 

@syerleena_rashid

#pulaupinang #penang #bukitbendera #malaysia #jelutong @Anwar Ibrahim @Rsn Rayer

♬ Ho no no no 1 – la roca

What do you think about this? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.

Also read: George Town Festival Apologises Over Lack of Malay Representation in Their Teaser Video