Despite there being many more pressing national issues to discuss and find solutions for, it seems that some of our politicians are still unable to move on from how Bak Kut Teh or pork bone broth was among 10 dishes gazetted Malaysia’s national heritage foods recently.
Previously, Gunung Semanggol Assemblyperson questioned the decision, saying that not everyone can eat pork, while Jerantut Member of Parliament (MP) said that Asam Rom and Patin Tempoyak should’ve been recognised instead of Bak Kut Teh while being oblivious that all 3 have already been gazetted, there was also a war of words between UMNO Youth Chief and the Tourism Minister and the issue even led to a full out debate in the Dewan Rakyat recently.
Malaysian politicians should learn from how Indonesia recognised Babi Guling Bali as a UNESCO heritage
Kepong MP, Lim Lip Eng
Now, Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng has also released a statement regarding the whole Bak Kut Teh debate by giving his two cents on the matter.
In a press release yesterday (7 March), Lim said that Malaysia, especially some of its divisive politicians should learn from our neighbouring country Indonesia which had recognised the pork delicacy from its island of Bali, Babi Guling Bali as not only a national heritage food, but as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO Indonesia.
Babi Guling Bali
Lim added that despite the overwhelming majority of Indonesians being Muslims, the country has no problem recognising Babi Guling Bali. In fact, 240 million or around 87% of the population in Indonesia are Muslims as per the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre study, making it the country with the world’s second-most Muslims behind Pakistan.
The Kepong MP asserted,
“Despite Indonesia having one of the most Muslim citizens in the world, there’s excellent tolerance in the archipelagic state to the point that Babi Guling from Bali has been recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO Indonesia.”
“In Bali, the pork dish is a speciality during big celebrations and a unique delicacy during public events. The economic income from this gastronomic tourism is also huge.”
Babi Guling Bali
Our diversity should be celebrated, not used as a political weapon
Lim further asserted that this unity in diversity is something that certain political quarters in Malaysia should learn from.
More so, given that Malaysia is also a diverse and multicultural country, with the Kepong MP stressing that our diversity should be something we celebrate and not be used as a political weapon to sow hate among the people.
Bak Kut Teh
So, what do you guys think of Lim’s statement? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Also read: PAS MP Wants Asam Rom & Patin Tempoyak to be Recognised as Heritage Food Instead of Bak Kut Teh
