KUALA LUMPUR: Stop turning the recent argument over Bak Kut Teh into a religious issue and show respect to the country’s multi-racial structure, says Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
The Tourism Minister said that as per the National Heritage Act 2005 (Act 645), discussions on whether or not to turn Bak Kut Teh into a heritage dish had nothing to do with religion or race.
“Bak Kut Teh is not a new dish, we know that there are halal and non-halal versions.
“There is even a vegetarian version of Bak Kut Teh.
“The recognition of Bak Kut Teh as a heritage food is also based on the National Heritage Act 2005 (Act 645) and does not involve issues of race or religion,” the Bintulu Member of Parliament told the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (March 13).
Tiong called on all parties to respect the different cultures and religions in Malaysia to protect harmony and unity in the country.
“I feel that there is no need to explain the matter further as there are already a lot of discussions being held on social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and others.
Last month, it was reported that the traditional Chinese soup boiled with herbs and spices, commonly made using pork rib, has been officially recognised as a national heritage dish.
The move drew criticism from certain quarters, saying that the government should consider the sensitivity of the society before making such a move.
Earlier this month, Umno Youth Chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh described the action of recognising Bak Kut Teh as a national heritage dish as “racist extreme politics” as it shows a lack of sensitivity towards the majority of the country's Islamic population.
