KUALA LUMPUR: Doraemon the magical cat may have a worldwide following, but he is unmistakenably Japanese and promotes his home country.
Les’ Copaque Productions, the company behind popular animated twins Upin & Ipin has questioned National Art Gallery chairman Datuk Rashidi Hasbullah’s recent suggestion that Doraemon can be used to promote tourism in Malaysia.
Les’ Copaque, in a Facebook post and tweet yesterday, said: “If we use foreign animation to promote Malaysia, what’s the use of our local animation?”
Netizens agreed with Les’ Copaque, and also questioned why Rashidi thought of using Doraemon instead of Upin & Ipin.
“Upin & Ipin, Boboiboy and Ejen Ali are our own world class animated heroes. They are as good as Doraemon. Why do we need to import Doraemon to promote Malaysia?” said Muiz.
“This is ridiculous. We should now be calling ourselves Malaysia Truly Doraemon!” said Afiq.
Last month, Rashidi announced that the National Art Gallery had planned an art exhibition with Doraemon as its theme, to promote Visit Malaysia Year 2020.
He said that Doraemon was popular amongst Malaysians and despite being a Japanese cartoon character, he could attract tourists to Malaysia.
Rashidi also said that Doraemon was appreciated by fans of all ages because of the positive values he and his friends promoted.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi said that even though he appreciated Rashidi’s suggestion, his ministry did not approve the use of Doraemon to promote Malaysian tourism.