KUCHING: The depiction of a hornbill on the AFFIN Kenyalang Debit Card should not be a source of contention, says Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister was alluding to claims by Pending Assemblywoman, Violet Yong, who claimed AFFIN Bank was committing cultural misrepresentation for allegedly using the wrong hornbill species on the card, calling for a correction and a public apology.
“That shouldn’t have been turned into an issue, and YB Violet shouldn’t have brought it up.
“I believe AFFIN meant well when they introduced the card and included the hornbill in the design,” he said when met at the sidelines of the Fourth Session of the 19th State Legislative Assembly (DUN) at DUN Complex here today.
He added that concerns over the orientation of the casque (hornbill crest) – whether pointing up or down – were trivial.
“When you look at it, it’s clearly a hornbill. So what’s the issue? There was no requirement that it had to be a rhinoceros hornbill specifically,” he said.
“This is blowing a minor issue out of proportion – making a mountain out of a molehill.”
Abdul Karim said there is no reason to change the card’s logo and that it should be left as it is.
“Why create unnecessary noise over something so petty? There are far more pressing issues to focus on, such as issues that concern the people, not something as trivial as a design element on a card,” he emphasised.
He added that while many types of hornbills exist, the image still represents Sarawak.
“Take the SUKMA mascot, for instance. Must it be an exact replica of a real hornbill? As long as it’s recognisable as a ‘kenyalang’ (hornbill), it symbolises Sarawak,” he explained.
“Overall, the intention was good, and we should acknowledge and appreciate that,” he said, while also thanking AFFIN Bank for launching the card for Sarawakians.
In a statement, AFFIN Bank said the card’s design honours Sarawak’s heritage and identity, incorporating elements from the Sarawak State Coat of Arms and the Sarawak State Flag.
“Inspired by the Jata Negeri Sarawak, the Kenyalang Card stands as a proud symbol of strength, heritage, and identity, reflected in its bold black and white design,” the bank said.
