Altimet bidas Ridhuan Tee persoal sepanduk Festival Hantu Lapar

In the Ampang district, PKR Adun Syed Ahmad Abdul Rahman Alhadad, known as Altimet, accused Ridhuan Tee Abdullah of raising concerns over the use of a bilingual Chinese-language medium during the Hantu Lapar festival. Altimet emphasized that cultural differences should not be used to incite tensions between communities. The Hantu Lapar festival is part of Chinese culture's tradition of honoring ancestors, valuing the contributions of past generations, and offering charity and offerings to spirits who are believed to have no family or heirs.

Although the term "Hungry Ghost" is a literal translation, its underlying values also emphasize charity, sincerity, kindness, and remembrance of the deceased. Ridhuan had previously questioned the presence of a Chinese-language bilingual flag and banner at a junction in Taman Kosas, Ampang, inquiring about the area's status as Chinese and whether the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) was monitoring the issue.

Altimet stated that the language used in a particular besiga should be evaluated based on the context and purpose of communication, especially if the material is intended for a specific community. "If the besiga is specifically intended for a particular community, using the community's language is not unusual," he said. However, he noted that any besiga or promotional material displayed in public spaces under local authority control must adhere to guidelines regarding the use of Malay language.

Altimet emphasized that using language specific to a community is not unusual if the besiga is intended for that community, but when a besiga or promotional material is displayed in public spaces under local authority control, it must follow local authority guidelines regarding Malay language usage. In this matter, there is no need to exaggerate the issue and create inter-communal tensions, he said.

Altimet, who is also the PKR Ampang chief, said he would discuss the matter with MPAJ officials. Altimet's principle is clear: Malay language as the national language must be respected, while at the same time, the right of every community to practice their traditions, culture, and celebrations must also be respected. That is the spirit of Malaysia, he said.