KUCHING: Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, has urged veteran politician, Tan Sri Rais Yatim, to verify the accuracy of news shared on social media before making racially charged accusations about the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme.
He made the call following Rais’ statement on his Facebook page on March 6, in which he claimed that 22,000 Chinese nationals had obtained permanent resident status in Malaysia.
“I am surprised that Rais Yatim, who has previously served as a Cabinet member and held several important positions, is now acting in such an extreme manner.
“Why does he repeatedly criticise various issues and attempt to mislead the public about the MM2H programme?
“It must be understood that his irresponsible statements could cause unnecessary unrest among the people,” Tiong said in a statement posted on his Facebook page today.
Tiong added that in a multicultural country like Malaysia, such misleading narratives can create tension and division, potentially leading to serious consequences like racial disputes or community conflicts.
He added that Rais’ action could also undermine the potential and reputation of the MM2H programme on the international stage.
“What is even more regrettable is that this irresponsible rhetoric could deter foreign investors from conducting business in Malaysia, undermining efforts to position the country as a thriving investment hub,” he said.
