Yee Tsai Yiew
KOTA KINABALU: Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Yee Tsai Yiew said 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 Malaysian,” stressed Yiew.
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, she said.
“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,” added Yiew.
The Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Api-Api Division Information Chief said this today in response to the Federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing’s announcement on February 23, 2024 that Bak Kut Teh would be officially listed as one of Malaysia’s national heritage dish.
The declaration had stirred controversy among some politicians that disagreed with the said listing.
In this regard, Yiew 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.
Yiew believes that it is well-deserved 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 said 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 this state, and other states can learn from the people of Sabah about racial tolerance and respect.”
Furthermore, Yiew believe that listing Bak Kut Teh as a national heritage will further boost the development of the state’s tourism industry especially among Chinese tourists.
