Media Statement By Soo Tien Ren:
Is the UMNO Youth Group also opposed to the inclusion of Kolo Mee as a national cultural heritage?
Malaysia, as a multicultural country, does not have a uniform cultural identity in every aspect. For example, the Malay community cannot celebrate the Deepavali, the Chinese do not celebrate Hari Raya, and the Indians do not have the opportunity to celebrate Gawai.
However, these festivals are part of Malaysian culture, even if not everyone participates in them.
Therefore, although Malays may not be able to eat Bak Kut Teh, including it as a national cultural heritage is a recognition of the unique culture of the Chinese community and an acknowledgment that Malaysia is a unique multicultural nation. It has absolutely nothing to do with so-called “ethnic sensitivity.”
If concessions are made because of the sensitivities of a particular group, then eventually all of Malaysia’s minority cultures will be assimilated.
Therefore, UMNO Youth Group should clarify whether their ultimate goal is to assimilate the Chinese, Indian, Iban, and Kadazan communities. If not, then there is no need to be so sensitive about minority cultures, but rather to welcome and embrace them as part of Malaysia’s unique culture.
It should be noted that Kolo Mee from Kuching, Sarawak, was also listed as a national culinary heritage in this announcement. It is well known that traditional Kolo Mee is cooked with non-halal ingredients, and most “red” Kolo Mee is made with char siu oil.
In this context, is UMNO also opposed to Sarawak’s Kolo Mee being listed as a national cultural heritage?
If Akmal Salleh is also opposed to this, then he is clearly dividing the country.
Therefore, I advise the UMNO Youth Group to retract their statement and apologize to all Malaysians, sincerely accepting Malaysia’s multiculturalism, and showing mutual respect and tolerance. Being part of Kerajaan Perpaduan means we should embrace diversity and call for Unity, not dividing our nation.
