THE state government will leave the matter involving a restaurant with a wallpaper featuring Mao Zedong to the police, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
He was asked by a reporter for his comments whether the police action in removing the wallpaper after raiding the premises following a public tip-off was a bit excessive.
“I leave the matter to the police. It is up to the police to consider the restaurant owner’s explanation that it (wallpaper) was only a publicity gimmick.
“The police can consider the case closed after listening to the owner’s explanation or take proper follow-up action.
“If this is not considered an offence, just reprimand the owner to be careful in dealing with publicity that may cause some uneasiness,” Chow said in reply to the reporter after presenting food packages to the needy at Jalan Klang in George Town today.
To another question, Chow explained that the discretionary powers lie with the police, not with Penang Island City Council (MBPP).
“The local government (MBPP) controls only matters related to advertisement materials like signages.
“It is the responsibility of the operator themselves. Whether they sell food or they sell drugs, the onus will be on the operator to comply with any law and regulation governing such premises and activities,” Chow said.
It was reported that the restaurant owner is currently under Covid-19 quarantine and his wife, a Chinese national, said the wallpaper did not contain any messages of Communist ideology.
An English daily quoted her as saying that the wallpaper carried funny Chinese phrases and was meant to welcome patrons.
Police, meanwhile, are investigating the motive behind this episode.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Chan Kok Kuan