Given our proximity and shared history, there have been several arguments between Malaysia and Singapore about the origin of popular dishes and cultures in both our countries, one of which being the Chinese New Year tradition of Yee Sang.
Made with raw fish, pickled vegetables, and an assortment of colourful condiments and special sauces, the dish is tossed around and as high as possible with chopsticks while those celebrating wish for health and prosperity.
For illustration purposes
Interestingly, Yee Sang is only performed in Malaysia and Singapore and not in China, with many claiming that the tradition was actually introduced in Seremban by Loke Ching Fatt, the grandfather of current Transport Minister and Seremban Member of Parliament (MP) Anthony Loke Siew Fook.
Anthony Loke finally addressed the Yee Sang claim
In the latest edition of the Keluar Sekejap podcast, in which Loke was a guest, the Transport Minister finally addressed these claims head-on.
In the podcast hosted by former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and ex-Umno Info Chief Shahril Hamdan, the former asked Loke about the claims that his grandfather invented Yee Sang after the Transport Minister shared how his family operated a restaurant when he was little.
Replying to the question, Loke asserted,
“I can’t concretely say that it’s true or false, as many people are disputing the history of who invented the dish. However, my grandfather did indeed bring this culture to Seremban. Whether he was the first to introduce it in Malaysia, I’m not sure. But in Seremban, yes.”
The Seremban MP then elaborated that Yee Sang has some influence from China, but it was invented here in Malaysian culture.
He added that there’s no Yee Sang culture in China, only Malaysia, which his grandfather popularised.
The discourse on where the Yee Sang culture started and who created it has been debated for decades, with one of the most credible claims being that it started in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan by Loke Ching Fatt.
In 2017, Loke shared an article about Yee Sang purportedly created by Loke Ching Fatt on his Facebook page and proudly asserted that the man was his late grandfather.
You can watch the whole podcast here:
So, what do you guys think about Loke’s statement on the matter? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Also read: “It’s like a taukeh party” – Anthony Loke Says He Didn’t Like MCA & Shares Why He Joined DAP at 17yo
