Listing of Bak Kut Teh as national heritage food hailed
KOTA KINABALU: Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Yee Tsai Yiew said that the issue of Bak Kut Teh being listed as a national heritage food should be viewed with an inclusive and open mind, a reflection of the harmonious development of multicultural Malaysia.
“Our country is a multiracial country. Respecting the cultural traditions of all ethnic groups is an important cornerstone of maintaining social harmony.
“Listing Bak Kut Teh as a national heritage dish reflects the government’s respect for Chinese culture and its support for multiculturalism. This shows the practice of an inclusive government, a government for all Malaysians,” stressed Yee in a statement on Sunday.
She pointed out that Bak Kut Teh is one of the representative delicacies of Malaysian Chinese. It has a long history and profound cultural heritage.
“It is not only an indispensable part of people’s daily diet, but also a cultural symbol, representing the blending and fusion of Malaysia’s diverse cultures,” she added.
Yee, who is also the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Api-Api Division information chief, said this in response to the Federal Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing’s announcement on February 23 that Bak Kut Teh would be officially listed as one of Malaysia’s national heritage dishes.
The declaration had stirred controversy among some politicians who disagreed with the listing.
In this regard, Yee pointed out that the word “bak” means meat, as such Bak Kut Teh does not necessary refer to pork only. It can be other meats such as chicken or fish, and there are various restaurants that served chicken and seafood Bak Kut Teh.
Yee believes that it is welldeserved to list Bak Kut Teh as a national cultural heritage, and supports Tiong’s decision.
“Tiong is an experienced politician, I believe he respects and is proud of the multiracial characteristics of Malaysia and is committed to maintaining social harmony. Before deciding that Bak Kut Teh as part of the national cultural heritage, he would have made a thorough evaluation and solicited opinions from all parties.”
She said that even the controversy over the origin of Bak Kut Teh does not affect its cultural value. It has become an important cultural symbol of Malaysian Chinese and its cultural value cannot be ignored.
At the same time, she stated that in Sabah, Bak Kut Teh is an important delicacy of the local Chinese community and is loved by people of all ethnic groups. Bak Kut Teh has not caused controversy or problems in t his state, and other states can learn from the people of Sabah about racial tolerance and respect.
Furthermore, Yee believes that listing Bak Kut Teh as a national heritage will further boost the development of the state’s tourism industry especially among Chinese tourists.
Meanwhile, Liberal Democratic Party Vice President David Ong strongly condemns Umno Youth Chief Dr Akmal Saleh’s discriminatory remarks concerning the designation of Bak Kut Teh as a national heritage food.
“Akmal’s actions demonstrate a lack of understanding and sensitivity towards Malaysia’s multicultural fabric. By labeling Tiong’s decision as an ‘extremist action’ and calling for his dismissal, Akmal has shown a regrettably narrow-minded approach to cultural diversity and inclusivity. I believe such overreaction is unnecessary and does not contribute at all towards unity and harmony for the multi-rational communities in Malaysia,” he said.
Ong pointed out Malaysia is a multicultural country constituting three major ethno-cultural groups: Malay and Bumiputra, Chinese, and Indian. Acknowledging cultural diversity is about appreciating that society is made up of many different groups with different interests, skills, talents, and needs.
“I believe Datuk Seri Tiong’s move to include Bak Kut Teh as a national heritage does not constitute being ‘extremist,’ neither is it deemed a serious offense that warrants his dismissal as suggested by Akmal.
“Political leaders play a vital role in shaping the mindset of our future generation. Should we truly want to embrace the true meaning of a harmonious and united Malaysia, a higher tolerance of cultural diversity and acceptance is needed.
Akmal’s reaction and call for action leave us wondering about what his understanding of a harmonious and inclusive Malaysia entails. In fact, his actions not only betray his responsibility to foster unity and promote understanding among Malaysians of all backgrounds but also reflect a severe lack of judgment and empathy,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
Ong added if discriminating and insensitive remarks are left unchecked, it could further polarize our society and undermine efforts towards building a harmonious and inclusive Malaysia.
“I wonder if Akmal’s statement is also the message Umno top leadership endorses?” he said.
LDP stands in solidarity with Tiong and urges Akmal to rethink his stand on this matter and embrace Malaysia’s multicultural identity for the betterment of our society.
“Let us focus on fostering mutual respect, understanding, and appreciation for the diverse cultures that make up our nation,” said Ong.