By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 2: Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Youth chief David Yeo Ang Lim expressed his disappointment with Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh for continuing to pander to racial sentiments for political mileage over the recognition of bak kut teh as a national heritage dish.
In a statement today, Yeo said it is a cheap publicity stunt that reflects his understanding of Malaysian social harmony and its unique cultural heritage.
According to him, Akmal’s refusal to recognise the dish would discourage interactions between Malaysians of different races and religions.
“Even Datuk Sri Takiyuddin Hassan said he would treat his friend to halal bak kut teh, and there are already several Muslim operators offering the halal version of the dish,” he said.
Yeo also questioned Akmal’s motives in making simplistic accusations without understanding issues and launching into racial characterisations.
He said that this is not the first time he has done it, which shows that he lacks sensitivity towards non-Muslims in Malaysia.
This behaviour, he pointed out, is against the Malaysia Madani principles that Umno leaders such as Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi hold dearly.
“Akmal should apologise to Tourism Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing for inciting and attempting to realise a concrete social divide.
“He should instead focus on defending the social harmony that all Malaysians have worked so hard to achieve,” he added. — DayakDaily
