'Stop racist extreme politics,' Tiong hits back at Umno Youth chief

Tourism Minister Tiong King Sing has hit back at Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, urging the latter to stop “racist extreme politics”.

He said this was not the first time the Malacca state executive councillor played up racial and religious issues.

On the bak kut teh issue raised by Akmal, Tiong explained that it was just one of the 10 new dishes included in a list of the country’s heritage foods.

“Bak is referring to meat as I have mentioned a few times. While the herbal soup is halal, the meat can be changed.

“If add chicken, it will become chi kut teh, if you add seafood, then it will become seafood kut teh,” said Tiong.

The Bintulu MP chided Akmal that if he did not know the meaning of bak kut teh, he should have checked the dictionary before embarrassing himself, his party, his race, and the country.

Akmal has called for the minister’s head to roll following several recent issues.

In a statement today, the Umno leader said the issues include bak kut teh being included in the country’s list of heritage foods.

This came after the government gazetted 10 local delicacies as heritage foods on Feb 16. The list includes burasak, uthappam, bak kut teh, mi kolok, jeruk tuhau, nasi ambeng, air katira, kuih lapis, kuih karas, and dodol kukus tahi minyak.

“Rather than recognising bak kut teh as a heritage food, it is better to acknowledge other dishes, such as Nasi Goreng Cina and other types of food that can be consumed by people of all races and religions,” Akmal said.

“If the minister cannot think of Malaysians’ sensitivity, it’s time we urge Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to just fire the minister.

“If the tourism DG can be demoted for failing to perform, the same reason can be used for a minister who is not only not performing but is the worst minister in history. Tiong better resign!” he added.

Tiong countered that Akmal should emulate Umno leaders such as its party president and deputies to unite all Malaysians regardless of their race.

“Let’s be understanding towards each other and don’t repeat the mistake. If (you) want to be respected by others, the Umno Youth chief should respect others first. Learn to respect others, because if not, who would respect you?” he added.

Tiong had defended bak kut teh as a candidate for a national heritage dish during a heated parliamentary debate last year.

He also instructed his officials to explore the recognition of traditional Malaysian food and noted how different versions with other ingredients have emerged.

Umno Youth chief calls for Tiong's head over DG demotion, bak kut teh saga

Burasak, uthappam, bak kut teh gazetted as heritage foods

Ex-S'gor exco: 'Nasi kandar babi confusing Muslims' claim illogical