Why all the hate towards Bak Kut Teh for being a heritage food?

Why all the hate towards Bak Kut Teh for being a heritage food?

1 Mar 2024 • 10:00 AM MYT



Bak Kut Teh (Source: Malaymail)

***

kt comments: Above photo shows a 'messy' version of BKT - see follows:

Further kt notes: The 'teh' in BKT is not 'tea' as almost everyone believes, but actually the Chinese surname 'Teh' or 'Zheng'

One Mr 'Teh' (probably from Klang) created the wonderful dish.

***


On 23rd of February 2024, it was announced that ten food items have been gazetted as heritage food in the Declaration of Heritage Object 2024. The food items are Burasak, Kolo Mee, Nasi Ambeng, Dodol Kukus Tahi Minyak, Kueh Lapis, Kuih Karas, Uthappam, Jeruk Tuhau, Air Katira and last but not least, Bak Kut Teh. Of all the food items that have been gazette, which one drew the most controversy? If your answer is Bak Kut Teh, you are right. Some netizens have taken to social media to condemn the act of gazetting Bak Kut Teh as a heritage food.


One netizen airs out his grievances on Facebook and he writes, “Why the hell is Bak Kut Teh recognized as a heritage food of the nation? Is this a Muslim country or a kafir (non-Muslim) one?” Many netizens share the sentiment as him. One blames DAP by saying, “The more time passes, the more outrageous are the acts of DAPig (referring to DAP)” and another joins in by blaming DAP as well by saying, “This is what happens when DAP is the majority in the PH [administration]”. Another blame and insulted the Chinese by saying, “The slanted-eyed tribe (sepet means slanted in English; commonly refer to Chinese) are really stupid morons”.

The controversial post (Source: Facebook)


The outrage in regards to gazetting Bak Kut Teh as a heritage food has also been picked up by the media from Malay Mail to The Straits Times. Personally, I think it is unjust to condemn the decision to gazette Bak Kut Teh as a heritage food. Here are some reasons why:

1. Bak Kut Teh just means Meat Bone Tea

Does Bak Kut Teh means Pork Bone Tea? Well, in Hokkien Dialect, Bak Kut Teh (肉骨茶) just means Meat Bone Tea. Heck, even in Mandarin Chinese, it means Meat Bone Tea. In case you didn't know 肉 (pronounced as rou in Mandarin, bak in Hokkien) is meat, 骨 (pronounced as gu in Mandarin, kut in Hokkien) is bone and 茶(pronounced as cha in Mandarin, teh in Hokkien) is tea. A lot of people including the former culture, arts, and heritage minister, Tan Sri Rais Yatim misunderstood the word Bak in Bak Kut Teh (肉骨茶); he along with many others have claimed that Bak (肉) in Bak Kut Teh (肉骨茶 ) means pork which is completely untrue. There are even halal variations of Bak Kut Teh which brings me to my next point.

Bak doesn't mean pork (Source: Aaron Colt)

2. There are halal versions of Bak Kut Teh

Remember when I said that Bak (肉) in Bak Kut Teh (肉骨茶) just means meat? Other meat such as beef and chicken have been used in making our beloved Bak Kut Teh. There is a stall in Kuching that serves a halal version of Bak Kut Teh using beef. In our neighboring country, Singapore, there is a stall selling halal Bak Kut Teh which is run by a Malay father-son duo, Kamal and Shah. Their stall, Anak Bapak Halal Muslim Restaurant has been operating for over 20 years and his signature dish is his noodles and of course, his Bak Kut Teh which uses beef. Also noticed how he and his son still refer to Bak Kut Teh as Bak Kut Teh; you can watch a video of them here. It is also worth mentioning that another dish, kolo mee is also gazetted as a heritage food in the Declaration of Heritage Object 2024. Kolo Mee like Bak Kut Teh is typically served with pork and shallot mixture. However, like Bak Kut Teh, there are halal versions of it as well which are served with either beef or chicken.

Malay father-son duo selling Bak Kut Teh in Singapore (Source: TikTok)

3. Bak Kut Teh is culturally significant to Malaysia

Klang is said to be the birthplace of Bak Kut Teh where the Hokkiens were said to have made it. In the late 19th century (pre-British colonial period), many of the Hokkiens worked as manual laborers at the port and thus, were highly vulnerable to rheumatism and arthritis as they often carried heavy loads while barefooted. To recharge their bodies and prevent the ailments mentioned, they would make a nourishing bone broth which we now know as Bak Kut Teh. Seeing how it is deeply rooted in Malaysian culinary heritage (particularly with the Hokkien community in Malaysia) and its historical ties to places in Malaysia like Klang, wouldn't you agree that Bak Kut Teh is a significant part of Malaysia's food culture?

Klang is the birthplace of Bak Kut Teh (Source: Aaron Colt)

4. Heritage foods (incl. Bak Kut Teh) boost tourism

Based on a report from the Department of Statistics Malaysia in 2016, food and beverage contributed 16%(RM29.2 billion) of RM 182.4 billion to the tourism sector. Malaysia has a list of heritage foods that have the potential to attract tourists from other countries and as a result, boost tourism. This also includes the beloved Bak Kut Teh, be it the halal variant or the non-halal one. Recognizing Bak Kut Teh as a Malaysian heritage food can enhance tourism opportunities by promoting this traditional dish internationally. It can serve as a cultural ambassador, attracting food enthusiasts and tourists interested in experiencing authentic Malaysian cuisine.


There is no doubt that Bak Kut Teh plays a part in our culinary history and subsequently, the rich cultural history of Malaysia. Malaysia's culture is a mix of everything - a little bit of this and a little bit of that which is like Bak Kut Teh in a sense; there are a few cuts of herbs, a few pieces of meat (chicken or otherwise), and a few sprinkles of dark soy sauce. Let us all preserve our diverse culinary and cultural history by not condemning but applauding the decision to gazette such an important cuisine that is 100% made in Malaysia.

***

kt final note: Best 'halal' Char Koay Teow I have eaten was in Kuching but today the 'halal' version is available almost everywhere

What if it was a non Muslim MP that said it was the Agong’s personal view?

What if it was a non Muslim MP that said it was the Agong’s personal view?

1 Mar 2024 • 12:00 PM MYT

Image credit: Utusan


Recently, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan described the Agong’s call for politicians to wait for the next general election as the monarch’s personal view.


Sultan Ibrahim, in his royal decree during the opening of the Dewan Rakyat’s new session recently told politicians from both sides of the divide that he would not entertain attempts to topple the government.


In late Dec 2023, no less than 16 police reports were lodged against DAP lawmaker Ngeh Khoo Ham in Perak, where he apologized and retracted his statement 4 days thereafter, for merely suggesting that non-Muslims be appointed to a special committee formed by the federal government to look into syariah law.


In his apology, Ngeh clarified that it was not his intention to interfere in the management of Islamic affairs and that he had initially thought the government was seeking proposals to amend the Federal Constitution.


A coalition of Islamic NGOs even submitted a memorandum to the DAP headquarters urging for sterner action to be taken against Ngeh.


This was not the 1st time that the PAS Secretary General had a brush with the Agong.


The previous Agong, who ended his tenure on 29 Jan 2024, reprimanded him over his statement on the emergency proclamation and its ordinances, saying it is “inaccurate” and “misled lawmakers in the Dewan Rakyat”.


In a statement issued by Comptroller of the Royal Household, the then Agong expressed his disappointment over the statement made on July 26, 2021 that the government has revoked all emergency ordinances promulgated by His Majesty, although the revocation has not yet been given royal assents and the government then “disregarded His Majesty’s functions and powers as the head of state, as enshrined in the federal constitution” .


In this latest interpretation by the PAS Secretary General, would the Royal Household issue an official rebuke to him?


Are those 16 individuals or groups that make the police reports against Ngeh Khoo Ham make police reports against the PAS Secretary General for his remarks made publicly against the present Agong?


What about the coalition of Islamic NGOs who submitted a memorandum to the DAP HQ?


Are they going to submit a memorandum to the PAS HQ for actions against the Secretary General?


Failing any such actions and in the sum of things, it appears that if the same statement were uttered by a non Muslim MPs, all hell will break loose.


Hundreds or maybe thousands of reports will be lodged against the non Muslim MP.


Threats will be issued against the non Muslim MP.


If the same muteness were shown if the above were uttered by a non Muslim MP, the country will have come of age politically and democratically.

George Galloway who campaigned against Gaza war wins UK by-election

al Jazeera:

George Galloway who campaigned against Gaza war wins UK by-election

George Galloway wins Rochdale seat by 12,335 votes after running on pro-Palestine campaign.

George Galloway, leader of the Workers Party of Britain, speaks after winning the Rochdale by-election, at a polling station near Manchester [Phil Noble/Reuters]

Published On 1 Mar 2024


A left-wing United Kingdom politician has registered a landslide win in a parliamentary by-election on a platform promising to advocate for Gaza.

George Galloway won the seat in the northern English town of Rochdale after a fractious campaign, which saw the Labour Party withdraw support from its candidate over his anti-Israel comments.

Galloway won 12,335 votes compared with 6,638 for second-placed David Tully, an independent candidate. The former Labour candidate, Azhar Ali, came fourth after the opposition party pulled its support after he was recorded espousing conspiracy theories about Israel. Turnout was low at 39.7 percent.

“Keir Starmer, this is for Gaza,” Galloway said on Friday, referring to the Labour leader who initially refused to call for a ceasefire in Gaza where more than 30,000 people have been killed in the past five months of Israeli bombardment.

“You have paid and you will pay a high price for the role you have played in enabling, encouraging and covering for the catastrophe presently going on in … in the Gaza Strip,” he said.

Galloway, who represents the Workers Party of Britain, accused both Labour and the Conservatives of backing Israel as he ran a pro-Palestinian campaign in the constituency with a substantial Muslim population.

Israel’s devastating war on Gaza was a key issue in the elections during which local concerns usually dominate.

Divisions over Israel’s war on Gaza

Galloway, who has now been a British MP seven times, has been critical of Labour, a party he once belonged to before being ejected for criticising then-Prime Minister Tony Blair over the Iraq war.

His victory underlines the divisions in Britain over Israel’s war on Gaza, which has brought protesters onto British streets in support of both sides.

It will be the first time Galloway’s left-wing Workers Party of Britain has been represented in parliament.

For some in Rochdale, a former cotton mill town near Manchester, the by-election, triggered by the death of Labour lawmaker Tony Lloyd last month, had failed to offer them a clear choice of someone determined to help their town, ranked in the top 5 percent most deprived English local authorities in 2019.

Galloway also campaigned to reinstate maternity services in Rochdale but it was his message on Gaza that rang loudest.

He has promised to speak out on Gaza in Parliament, challenging Labour, which initially gave full backing to Israel following the October 7 Hamas attack that left nearly 1,200 people dead. The party has since shifted its position to call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

Galloway will try to exploit Labour’s divisions.

“I want to tell Mr Starmer above all, that the plates have shifted tonight,” he said. “This is going to spark a movement, a landslide, a shifting of the tectonic plates.”

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

Case of minister’s car tailing ambulance on PLUS highway in Perak last month settled, says Perak police chief

Case of minister’s car tailing ambulance on PLUS highway in Perak last month settled, says Perak police chief

Perak police chief Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri speaks to the media after attending the Perak Police Chief’s Monthly Meeting in Ipoh today. — Bernama pic

Friday, 01 Mar 2024 11:33 AM MYT


IPOH, March 1 — The case of the official minister’s car tailing an ambulance at the North-South Expressway (PLUS) from Simpang Pulai towards Tapah, early last month has been resolved, said Perak police chief Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri.

Mohd Yusri said court action has been taken and the party concerned has also been issued a compound.


“The court has taken action on the case...it has been completed, they have cooperated well with everyone,” he said when asked on the case after attending the Perak Police Chief’s Monthly Meeting, here today.

On Feb 3, the incident about the official minister’s vehicle closely following an ambulance which was on its way to an accident site on the North-South Expressway from Simpang Pulai to Tapah, in Perak went viral on social media.


The case was investigated under Rule 9 (2) of the Road Traffic Rules 1959 which stipulates that drivers must give way to emergency vehicles with their siren lights on. — Bernama

Appeals Court affirms conviction, reduce jail sentence against ex-Tronoh assemblyman Paul Yong

Appeals Court affirms conviction, reduce jail sentence against ex-Tronoh assemblyman Paul Yong

On July 27, 2022, the High Court in Ipoh found Paul Yong guilty of raping his 23-year-old Indonesian maid in a room of his house in Ipoh, Perak between 8.15pm and 9.15pm on July 7, 2019. ― File picture by Farhan Najib

Friday, 01 Mar 2024 11:50 AM MYT


PUTRAJAYA, March 1 ― The Court of Appeal here today reduced the 13-year imprisonment to eight years jail with two strokes of the cane on former Tronoh Assemblyman Paul Yong Choo Kiong for raping his maid, five years ago.


In a 2-1 majority decision, Justice Datuk Hadhariah Syed Ismail who chaired the panel with Justice Datuk Azman Abdullah affirmed the convicted against Yong while Justice Datuk SM Komathy Suppiah dissented.

On July 27, 2022, the High Court in Ipoh found Yong guilty of raping his 23-year-old Indonesian maid in a room of his house in Ipoh, Perak between 8.15pm and 9.15pm on July 7, 2019.


The charge framed under Section 376 (1) of the Penal Code, provides a jail term of up to 20 years and is liable to whipping.


However, the bench granted a stay of execution of the sentence after Yong’s counsel Datuk Rajpal Singh informed that they intend to appeal today’s decision to the Federal Court.

Reading out a majority decision, Justice Azman held that the trial judge did not err in his finding in convicting the appellant (Yong).

“We find that the learned High Court judge had not erred in his finding. We find there is no merit in the appellant’s appeal. The conviction was safe and the decision of the High Court is affirmed. Therefore, we dismissed the appeal against conviction,” he said.

According to Justice Azman, the High Court trial judge also found that the victim was a credible witness.

“The trial judge found that the appellant had opportunity to rape the victim when she was alone,” he added.

Justice Azman further said the trial judge also found that the closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage showed the appellant's wife leaving their house to go to the fast-food restaurant and the appellant had the opportunity to rape the victim when the appellant was alone after his wife left.

“The appellant and victim were left alone at the house for around 30 minutes. There was no other evidence from the appellant stating that his house was broken into or the victim had sexual intercourse with another man.

“Therefore, the conclusion (that can be made) that freshly torn hymen and abrasion on vagina were caused by the appellant as alleged by the victim,” he said.

According to Justice Azman, the trial judge had rejected the appellant’s defence for the reason the defence was an afterthought and bare denial.

Justice Azman also pointed out that the trial judge did not breach Section 182A of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) by not considering the appellant’s statement to the police denying the rape.

Meanwhile, Justice Komathy when reading out a minority decision said the appellant did not get a fair trial in the High Court.

The judge said that during the trial, the victim had her face shielded, which was an obstacle for the appellant’s lawyers to ascertain her facial demeanour and body language when answering questions.

“The trial was not fair and the appellant was denied his fundamental right to get a fair trial,” she said.

Justice Komathy further said that there is no deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) evidence to implicate the appellant committed the rape.

“I am of the view that the appellant’s conviction is unsafe and unsatisfactory. I allow the appeal and set aside the conviction against the appellant,” she added.

When met after proceedings, another Yong's counsel Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik said they respected today's decision but will appeal to the apex court and seek a full acquittal.

“We respect the decision of the majority. At the same time, there is a strong dissent given by Justice Komathy. This matter will be taken up to the Federal Court, where all the issues will be canvassed again,” Hisyam said. ― Bernama

Bersatu President Muhyiddin Yassin Signals Winds of Change in Party Leadership

Bersatu President Muhyiddin Yassin Signals Winds of Change in Party Leadership



Source: Muhyiddin Yassin


In a groundbreaking interview with Sinar Harian, Bersatu President Muhyiddin Yassin has set tongues wagging by hinting at an imminent shift in the party's leadership landscape, with the emergence of fresh faces on the horizon within the next one to two years.


In a departure from the norm, Muhyiddin stressed the imperative of ushering in a new era of leadership, one characterized by the vibrancy and vision of youthful cadres. With the party's future at stake, he underscored the non-negotiable adherence to democratic principles in orchestrating this transition, aligning squarely with the constitutional mandates governing Bersatu's internal affairs.


While acknowledging the apprehensions that often accompany leadership changes, Muhyiddin injected a note of optimism, portraying this impending transformation as a catalyst for renewal and rejuvenation within the party's ranks.


This revelation comes against the backdrop of fevered anticipation surrounding Bersatu's upcoming elections, where all eyes are trained on the coveted positions of presidency and deputy presidency, regarded as the "hot seats" in the political arena.


Despite earlier indications of stepping down, Muhyiddin's decision to revisit his stance adds a layer of complexity to the unfolding narrative, underscoring the nuanced dynamics at play within the party's corridors of power.


As Bersatu braces for a seismic shift in its leadership paradigm, observers and stakeholders alike are poised on the edge of their seats, awaiting the unveiling of a new chapter in the party's storied history.

Abdul Hadi’s statement involving Malay Rulers unethical, driven by political interests: Academics

The Sun:

Abdul Hadi’s statement involving Malay Rulers unethical, driven by political interests: Academics

Filepix: BERNAMApix


KUALA LUMPUR: PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang’s (pix) statement in his article titled ‘Ketinggian Islam Wajib Dipertahankan’ (Islam’s sanctity must be defended) on Feb 20, which among others, was addressed to the Malay Rulers, has been described as unethical and driven by political interests.

Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Institution of Malay Rulers Chair fellow Mujibu Abd Muis said in a statement that Abdul Hadi’s remarks, which also touched on the interests of the Malay and Islamic communities as well as the Federal Constitution, merely sought to portray as if only his party was championing the matter.

“Here he is, championing something that is actually not an issue at all, but is being championed conceptually for political mileage, even though it has been clearly enshrined in the constitution since independence that Islam cannot be questioned.

“In fact, efforts to uphold the Islamic principles and strengthen all institutions related to Islam have often been carried out by the Malay Rulers, including after the establishment of the MKI (National Council of Islamic Religious Affairs),“ he told Bernama today.

Earlier, the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, through a post on the Selangor Royal Office’s Facebook page today, expressed deep regret over the cynical statement of the Marang MP.

Sultan Sharafuddin remarked that it was a statement that was highly inappropriate and lacked cultural refinement from the perspective of Malay culture, which always respects and upholds decorum when expressing views and advice to the Malay Rulers.

Further commenting on this, Mujibu stated that Abdul Hadi’s statement involving the Malay Rulers was not surprising, considering that the political figure had previously engaged in similar actions towards the Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin.

“In the past, he did the same thing, (continued to give lectures) even though at that time Sultan Mizan expressed his regret, issuing a prohibition against those without religious authority from giving lectures in mosques under the supervision of the Terengganu State Government, but he defied it,“ he said.

Echoing Mujibu’s sentiments, Geostrategist and Senior Fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research (NASR), Prof Dr Azmi Hassan, opined that Abdul Hadi was still maintaining a narrative based on race and religion, as seen in several past election campaigns, in order to garner support from the Malay community.

“I don’t see where the logic of his thinking is, as an old-timer, who is also called an ‘ulama’, to come out with a statement touching on the Malay Rulers.

“So his statement is very disappointing, especially considering that he knows the position of the Malay Rulers in safeguarding the interests of all Muslims regardless of political affiliation. The Federal Constitution also protects the sanctity of Islam, so there’s no need to link PAS’s political interests with our monarchy institutions,“ he said.

Azmi stated that if Abdul Hadi had any suggestions or issues regarding Islamic affairs and the Federal Constitution, it would be better to voice them in Parliament in his capacity as a Member of Parliament.

Meanwhile, Dr Jazimin Zakaria, Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, UiTM Kedah, said that Abdul Hadi’s action of dragging the Malay Rulers into the political platform was highly inappropriate.

“The position of the Malay Rulers is sensitive, and our political climate is currently unstable, so making statements on such platforms (PAS News website through the ‘Minda Presiden PAS’ column) will only open the door for others to criticise the special position of the Malay Rulers,“ he said. -Bernama

Robert Phang: Don’t blindly run down the unity gov’t for foreign investors are watching us closely

Robert Phang: Don’t blindly run down the unity gov’t for foreign investors are watching us closely

THE opposition needs to heed the call by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA) Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar to focus their energy on the betterment of their constituents.

Instead of focusing on attempts to oust the unity government, they should provide meaningful debates on government policy and issues of the day, according to prominent social activist and philanthropist Tan Sri Robert Phang Miow Sin (main pic, right).

“The people are now facing hard times with the cost of living continuing to go up. As this is as much a global phenomenon, lawmakers on both sides of the divide should come up with innovative ways to help the rakyst overcome their hardship,” he told FocusM.

“Instead of channelling their efforts to orchestrate the recent Dubai Move conspiracy, for examples, key leaders of the opposition should have taken time to discuss how to help ease financial burden among B40 Malaysians.”

The founder and chairman of the Social Care Foundation was commenting on Sultan Ibrahim’s royal address on Monday (Feb 26) whereby the latter advised lawmakers to cease plans to oust the national unity government outside of elections.

This came about as the Johor ruler graced the first parliamentary meeting of the year which also happens to be his first parliamentary duty since ascending the throne as the 17th YDPA on Jan 31.

The former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) advisory member further cautioned the opposition that they risk “scaring away foreign investors” by incessantly attacking Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the unity government.

Tan Sri Robert Phang Miow Sin was a former advisory panel member of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)

He went on to justify that only with the help of investors will there be job creation which will enable to oil the national economy, thus ensuring long-term employment and for prosperity to be passed down to all Malaysians.

For this reason, Phang wants key leaders of the opposition to ask themselves who will benefit from scaring away investors or if their action is tantamount of leaving the country in doldrums.

The 84-year-old Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation exco member therefore urged opposition MPs to stop putting their own interest first in current times of difficulty but instead find ways to promote ideas to lift the national economy and well-being of Malaysians.

“They have to realise that it is the public who elected them as their representatives in the Parliament but that does not mean that the opposition can simply promote their own agenda at the expense of the rakyat who elected them.”

In this regard, Phang hailed Sultan Ibrahim’s call which made it very clear that the Agong would not brook any attempts to trigger a premature change of government that could de-stabilise the country.

He contended that the opposition should heed such advice by playing their role of doling out constructive criticism instead of merely dishing out irresponsible statements that could hurt the country.

Like it or not, the crime fighter who is also sits on the board of a few public listed entities wants the opposition to understand that investors pay close attention to what is happening in the country before deciding whether to invest.

He added that scaring them away at this juncture is wasteful for it is akin to shooting oneself on one’s own foot.

“Politicians have to think about the future of the nation and that that of the future generation of Malaysians first instead of their own short-term interest,” added Phang. – March 1, 2024

Cops urged to act against influencer who insulted Abang Jo

theVibes.com:

Cops urged to act against influencer who insulted Abang Jo

"Bozz Jebat" had also allegedly insulted Bintulu MP and Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing with controversial comments.

Published on 29 Feb 2024 4:57PM

Numerous Sarawak NGOs had already lodged police reports against "Bozz Jebat - The Vibes, February 29, 2024



BY Stephen Then




PARTI Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu (PBB) has called on the police to act against a social media influencer who allegedly insulted Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg in a video that has been viralled on social media.


Its information chief Datuk Idris Buang urged the police to locate "Bozz Jebat" who allegedly tarnished Abang Johari’s image on social media.

"We call on the police to act against this person "Bozz Jebat" for posting a video insulting the Sarawak premier.

"The insults are clearly provocative in nature and are in breach of multimedia and communication laws," he said in a statement.

Idris said "Bozz Jebat" had also insulted Bintulu MP and Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing with controversial comments.

"Numerous Sarawak NGOs had already lodged police reports against "Bozz Jebat", said Idris.

Kuching district police chief Ahsmon Bajah this morning told reporters that police had received several reports against "Bozz Jebat" and are investigating. - The Vibes, February 29, 2024

Tenacious Tiong takes on thorny issues

Tenacious Tiong takes on thorny issues

Andrew Sia
Published: Mar 1, 2024 7:35 AM


COMMENT | Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong is a tough guy. Some hate him. Others cheer for him.

You can say what you like about him, but he is willing to tackle thorny issues head-on.

These include:

• Demoted a Malay director-general (DG) for poor performance.

• Exposed the alleged extortion of tourists at KLIA.

• Raised how morality policing in Langkawi harms tourism.

• Supported bak kut teh (BKT) as a national heritage.

Some say Tiong (above) is doing what DAP used to do - speak out fearlessly on difficult issues. Others feel he is a grave threat to Malay values and dominance.


Bak kut teh

Let me start with the easiest issue. It’s well known that this is a famous Malaysian invention from Klang. China tourists crave it when they come here.

Isn’t it right for Malaysia to certify BKT as our official “national heritage” when Singapore has tried to claim it as theirs?

kt comments: The Sing version is a joke - I've tasted it - my nephew confessed Sing's BKT does NOT have 'Tong Kui' (Angelica sinensis) nor other required Chinese herbs - it contains mainly peppercorn, wakakaka

Yes, it’s usually made from pork and that caused an allergic racial reaction - even though nobody was asking Muslims to eat it. Must all national heritage be from one race?

Should Muslims then demand that Penang and Malacca withdraw their Unesco world heritage status because it was awarded for the multicultural mix that included Chinese and Hindu temples plus churches?

Malacca’s Jonker Street


In June, Tiong sidestepped the controversy by saying BKT can also be made from chicken, lamb, or seafood.

After all, Malays can accept halal dimsum or pao made of chicken. So wouldn’t halal BKT be another Malaysian cross-cultural delight?


Langkawi moral policing?

In September, Tiong claimed that non-Muslim tourists in Langkawi complained of moral “harassment” by Kedah state government officials.

Tourists alleged they were barred from wearing shorts and drinking alcohol on the island.

Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor denied this.

Whatever the truth is, any “overzealous” morality officials will now probably think twice before imposing Islamic rules on non-Muslim visitors.


KLIA extortion?

In July, Tiong went to KLIA with MACC officers at 3am to “rescue” a detained China visitor who was allegedly asked by an “agent” to pay a RM15,000 bribe.

Rather dubiously, some officials tried to cover up the issue by claiming it was a “misunderstanding due to a language barrier”.

What was the conversation like I wonder? Was it: “Hello, you pay RM15,000, OK?” Oh my, that’s very hard to understand because it’s such “deep” English!

Jokes aside, Tiong asked why the immigration officers rejected the translators provided by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad.

Malaysian Association of Travel Agencies (Mata) president Mohd Khalid Harun congratulated Tiong for combating corruption at the country’s entry points.

Instead of asking for an MACC probe, Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh accused Tiong of breaching security protocols at KLIA – which was false as all ministers have VIP passes to enter sensitive airport areas.

Is Akmal saying that immigration is MACC - Mana Ada Corruption Case?

Tiong said, “What use would I have as a minister if I did not focus on something that can affect the country’s image and scare away foreign tourists?”


DG demoted

And now we come to the biggest racial hot potato. Tiong explained that Tourism Malaysia director-general Ammar Abd Ghapar was demoted (not sacked) because he could not perform the given task of attracting more tourists, despite being given multiple chances.

We’ve all heard about incompetent civil servants. Was Ammar one of them?

Well, after the brouhaha, Tourism Malaysia’s board of directors itself supported Tiong’s “strategic changes”, saying that promotion efforts must “drastically improve” as tourism arrivals are “still far behind pre-pandemic levels”. The verdict is clear.

Bank Negara Malaysia governor Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus said tourist arrivals are a key driver of the services sector, which accounts for 58 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. In fact, tourism is the fifth largest contributor to our GDP.

But, as expected, there was a racial backlash. One viral WhatsApp message accused Tiong of wanting to abolish homestays “because it benefited many Malays” and also of “giving priority to China tourists”.

The first seems far-fetched, as there are also many profitable homestays run by Chinese people.

Ammar Abd Ghapar


As for China tourists, this is a gold mine of 1.4 billion people. Should we ignore it just because of some people’s racial prejudice? Remember that tourism revenue will benefit both Malays and non-Malays.

Thailand received 10 million visitors from China while Malaysia got only 1.5 million. Surely something is wrong? Why do many Malaysians themselves prefer Hatyai to Langkawi?


Tiong - hero or zero?

So is Tiong a “hero” for daring to take on “sensitive” issues in doing his job as Tourism Minister?

This politician comes from Sarawak, which does not have such toxic racial tensions as the peninsula. It’s a state where Muslims can eat nasi lemak at the same kopitiam table as a non-Muslim eating porky kolo mee.

Tiong is a rich man, so he doesn’t need to be a minister. Maybe that’s why he doesn’t bother to tiptoe around or sugarcoat prickly issues. Instead, he calls a spade a spade.

But one political observer said in a WhatsApp group, “Tiong is a liability to the Madani government. The DG may be incompetent. But you don’t insult him like this.”

He said this allows Malay “nationalists” to push their fear-mongering: “See, this is the price we Malays pay for allowing the Pakatan Harapan-led government to continue.”

But somebody replied, how much more do we want to continue “appeasement”? These are both valid concerns.

Could Tiong have been less dramatic in the KLIA case? He explained, “At first, I did not want to expose this as I wanted to use more practical platforms. But because this has gone viral and the media has contacted me, here is my explanation.”

He added that some officials had leaked the photo of him at KLIA.

The detainee was linked to a Chinese government TV station. It was an urgent situation for our national image. It was 3am. If Tiong just wanted an easy life as a minister, he could have continued sleeping.

Should he have waited for an “official probe”, as said by the Home Ministry? Or done a grand choreographed “official visit” to KLIA, as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim did after the hoo-hah?

After all, alleged corruption at KLIA is not new as the Mata president suggests. Should Tiong have gathered more evidence? Would 100 complaints by foreign tourists change the situation?

As for the DG, Tiong himself explained that he could not wait until Ammar retires in March 2025. He wants better results now.


Take a page from Tiong

On Feb 29, Umno Youth called for Tiong to be sacked over the DG demotion and the BKT issue.

Perhaps the new Madani government should learn from Tiong and take action against key civil servants who can’t perform. And everyone will then buck up for fear that they are next.

Rather than being overly worried if this or that group of voters will get upset, maybe it’s time for our leaders to quickly deliver on their promises of reform.

If that is the legacy of Tiong, then let’s thank him for being a thorn in the side of the system. Perhaps that is just what’s needed to wake up complacent politicians.



ANDREW SIA is a veteran journalist who likes teh tarik khau kurang manis. You are welcome to give him ideas to brew at tehtarik@gmail.com

Israel is deliberately starving Palestinians, UN rights expert says

Guardian:

Israel is deliberately starving Palestinians, UN rights expert says


Exclusive: UN special rapporteur on the right to food Michael Fakhri says denial of food is war crime and constitutes ‘a situation of genocide’

Blardy Baleful Barbarous Beast of Babylon

Spawn of Reichsführer-SS Himmler

Israel is intentionally starving Palestinians and should be held accountable for war crimes – and genocide, according to the UN’s leading expert on the right to food.

Hunger and severe malnutrition are widespread in the Gaza Strip, where about 2.2 million Palestinians are facing severe shortages resulting from Israel destroying food supplies and severely restricting the flow of food, medicines and other humanitarian supplies. Aid trucks and Palestinians waiting for humanitarian relief have come under Israeli fire.

“There is no reason to intentionally block the passage of humanitarian aid or intentionally obliterate small-scale fishing vessels, greenhouses and orchards in Gaza – other than to deny people access to food,” Michael Fakhri, the UN special rapporteur on the right to food, told the Guardian.

“Intentionally depriving people of food is clearly a war crime. Israel has announced its intention to destroy the Palestinian people, in whole or in part, simply for being Palestinian. In my view as a UN human rights expert, this is now a situation of genocide. This means the state of Israel in its entirety is culpable and should be held accountable – not just individuals or this government or that person.”

Aid trucks wait at the Rafah crossing on Egypt’s border with Gaza on 21 February. Photograph: Maxar Technologies via AFP – Getty Images


In every famine - whether its human-made or climate-driven – children and infants, pregnant women and the elderly are the most vulnerable to malnutrition, disease and premature death.

Nutrition screenings at health centers and shelters in January found almost 16% of children under the age of two – the equivalent of one in six infants – were acutely malnourished or wasting in northern Gaza, where 300,000 people are trapped with virtually no food aid being allowed in by Israel. Of these, almost 3% are suffering from severe wasting, at high risk of medical complications or death without urgent help, according to a recent UN report. Reports have emerged of parents feeding their children animal feed in hope of keeping them alive.

In Rafah in the south, where Israel is currently focusing military attacks, 5% of children under two years were acutely malnourished. Wasting was not a major concern in Gaza before the conflict, when 0.8% of children under the age of five were acutely malnourished.

The screenings took place in January, and the situation is likely to be even worse today, warned Unicef – which has been not had access to the north despite frequent requests since 1 January.

Ahmad waits his turn in the crowd to get a meal from a charitable hospice that distributes free food in Rafah on 19 December 2023. Photograph: Abed Zagout/Unicef

“The speed of malnourishment of young children is also astounding. The bombing and people being killed directly is brutal, but this starvation – and the wasting and stunting of children – is torturous and vile. It will have a long-term impact on the population physically, cognitively and morally … All things indicate that this has been intentional,” said Fakhri, a law professor at the University of Oregon.

Intentionally starving civilians by “depriving them of objects indispensable to their survival, including willfully impeding relief supplies” is a war crime, according to the Rome statute of the international criminal court. Indispensable objects include food, water and shelter – which Israel is systematically denying Palestinians. Starvation is a war crime under the Geneva conventions and the Rome statute. It was also recognized as a war crime and general violation of international law by the UN security council in 2018.

Across Gaza, 95% of households are restricting meals and portion size, with adults going without to feed small children. Yet the little food people have lacks essential nutrients needed for humans to grow and thrive physically and cognitively.

On average, the households surveyed had less than one litre of safe water per person per day. At least 90% of children under five are affected by one or more infectious disease.

“Hunger and disease are a deadly combination,” said Dr Mike Ryan, executive director of the World Health Organization’s emergencies programme.

The speed of the malnutrition crisis speaks to the fact that even before this war, half of Gazans were food insecure and almost 80% relied on humanitarian aid due to the 16-year blockade.

A 2019 study on small-scale agriculture in the Palestinian territories found that “the Israeli occupation is the most important single driver of food and nutrition insecurity.”

“It was already a very fragile situation due to Israel’s chokehold on what goes in and out of Gaza. So when the war started, Israel was very easily able to make everyone go hungry because they had most people on the brink,” said Fakhri.

A Palestinian girl has her arm measured to test for for malnutrition at a medical tent in Rafah on 14 February. Photograph: Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/Reuters


“We have never seen a civilian population made to go so hungry so quickly and so completely, that is the consensus among starvation experts. Israel is not just targeting civilians, it is trying to damn the future of the Palestinian people by harming their children.”

The catastrophic situation could still get worse. In late January, more than a dozen countries including the US, the UK, Germany, Australia and Canada suspended funds to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

Financial aid was suspended immediately after Israel made unsubstantiated allegations against 12 UNRWA employees having links to Hamas – on the same day the international court of justice (ICJ) made its interim ruling ordering Israel to take all possible measures to prevent genocidal acts, and to take immediate steps to ensure the provision of basic services and humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.

UN’s Palestinian aid agency ‘at breaking point’ after $450m budget shortfall


UNRWA, which has about 30,000 employees, provides emergency food, healthcare, education and other basic services for almost 6 million Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and East Jerusalem. On Friday, UNWRA said it could no longer function in north Gaza, where food was last delivered five weeks ago.

“Ending funding almost instantaneously based on unsubstantiated claims against a small number of people has no other purpose other than collective punishment of all Palestinians in multiple countries. The countries that withdrew this lifeline are undoubtedly complicit in the starvation of Palestinians,” Fakhri said.

A Palestinian man and a child light up a fire for cooking in Rafah. Photograph: Abed Zagout/Anadolu via Getty Images


On Monday, Amnesty International said Israel had failed to take “even the bare minimum steps” to comply with the ICJ ruling to ensure sufficient life-saving goods and services reaching a population at risk of genocide and on the brink of famine.

The Israeli government argues that its war is against Hamas and a justified response to the unprecedented cross-border attack on 7 October, which left more than 1,100 people dead. Since then, almost 30,000 Gazans have been killed by Israeli attacks, according to the Palestinian health ministry. A further 70,000 have been injured, and thousands more are missing and presumed dead. An estimated 134 Israelis are still being held hostage by Hamas.

Israel has for years targeted Palestinian food and water sources.

A Palestinian woman feeds her newborn dates amid a lack of milk, at a school where they sheltered in Nuseirat. Photograph: Reuters


Israel has made foraging for native wild herbs like za’atar (thyme), ‘akkoub (gundelia) and miramiyyeh (sage) a criminal offense punishable by fines and up to three years’ imprisonment. Palestinians fishers have for years been shot at, arrested and sabotaged by Israeli forces – in violation of the 1995 Oslo accords permitting them fishing access up to 20 nautical miles.

And the current violence – against Palestinians and their food and water supplies – extends to the occupied West Bank.

After the 7 October attack, 24,000 acres of olives were left unharvested in the West Bank after Israel largely prevented farmers from accessing their orchards, resulting in the loss of 1,200 metric tons or $10m of olive oil – a key Palestinian export and powerful symbol for Palestinian identity.

A child drinks water from a dirty plastic container in Rafah on 19 February. Photograph: Abed Zagout/Anadolu via Getty Images


“The destruction of olive trees isn’t just an issue of food or commerce, it’s at the core of what it means to be Palestinian and their relationship to the land, just as the sea is central to what it means to be from Gaza,” Fakhri said.

The Israeli government did not respond to requests for comment about the statements from Fakhri, the UN rights expert.

Fakhri added: “Israel will claim there are exceptions to war crimes. But there is no exception to genocide and there’s no argument as to why Israel is destroying civilian infrastructure, the food system, humanitarian workers, and allowing this degree of malnutrition and hunger … The charge of genocide holds a whole state accountable and the remedy of genocide is the issue of self-determination of the Palestinian people.

“The path forward must not just be ending the war but actually peace.”

Bersih’s rally ‘frivolous’, say KJ, Shahril

FMT:

Bersih’s rally ‘frivolous’, say KJ, Shahril

Former Umno leaders Khairy Jamaluddin and Shahril Hamdan say the electoral reform group was only trying to show ‘it still exists’.

01 Mar 2024, 12:03am

About 100 protesters turned up for Bersih’s march to Parliament on Tuesday to demand political reforms.


PETALING JAYA: Former Umno leaders Khairy Jamaluddin and Shahril Hamdan have described Bersih’s rally on Tuesday to demand reforms as “frivolous”.

Khairy, a former Umno Youth chief, viewed the march to Parliament as such because of the electoral reform group’s close ties with Pakatan Harapan.

“They (Bersih) are all PH buddies, it’s frivolous because they’re friends with the government,” he said on the latest episode of the “Keluar Sekejap” podcast, adding that Bersih “did not go all-out”.

“In the end, they will support PH. They gathered to show that Bersih still exists.”

About 100 protesters turned up for the rally in front of Parliament to demand that the government carry out political reforms.

Bersih chairman Faisal Abdul Aziz handed over a memorandum stating their demands to PKR’s Selayang MP William Leong, who accepted it on behalf of the government.

Shahril took aim at the rally’s low attendance and lack of liveliness, saying that its narrative in calling for total reform was not striking enough.

The former Umno Youth vice-chief said Bersih was unable to invoke public desire to take part in the rally.

“I wasn’t surprised (by the low attendance), because I felt the (lacklustre) mood in Bersih’s demonstration on reform. It is still hard to envision the same entity leading the front of any anger against the government of the day,” he said.

The past Bersih rallies saw the participation of many PH leaders such as economy minister Rafizi Ramli, agriculture and food security minister Mohamad Sabu and DAP veretan Lim Kit Siang.


Reducing reliance on IJN

Khairy said he accepted and defended the health ministry’s statement on the discharge of retirees and civil servants from the National Heart Institute (IJN) for referral to government hospitals.

He said that during his stint as the health minister, the ministry launched a cardiology centre at Serdang Hospital that became fully operational in 2022, becoming a national referral centre for heart ailments.

“Serdang (Hospital) is on the same level as IJN. I hope the addition of staffing and specialists will reduce the reliance on IJN,” he said.

He hoped that the quality of service at Serdang Hospital and other government hospitals would improve in the future.

The ministry’s explanation came after a recent complaint by a retiree, who was shocked at his discharge from IJN, despite its 25 years of extensive care, with multiple admissions and procedures.

Aid programmes should include 70% halal products, says Mydin boss

FMT:

Aid programmes should include 70% halal products, says Mydin boss

Ameer Ali Mydin says this is one way to help Bumiputera-owned companies.

Ameer Ali Mydin suggested providing special financing, such as endowment funds, to help improve Bumiputera enterprises.


PUTRAJAYA: Mydin’s managing director is calling for 70% of items purchased for official government aid programmes to be Bumiputera-owned halal products.

Ameer Ali Mydin said such a policy would help the nation’s Bumiputera-owned businesses.

He pointed out that as of December last year, 38.7% or 3,562 out of 9,162 total halal-certified companies were owned by Bumiputeras, but almost all of these businesses operated from houses that did not meet halal certification requirements.

“Such business owners rely too much on self funding to sustain their daily business activities. We must make it a policy that Bumiputera goods are made the first choice (for official government aid programmes),” Bernama reported him as saying while presenting the proposal.

Ameer also proposed the implementation of the Halal Business Transformation Programme through business readiness assessments and guidance, as well as the establishment of a tier system and green lanes to help Bumiputeras obtain halal certification.

He also suggested providing special financing, such as endowment funds, to help improve Bumiputera enterprises.

“Additionally, premises or industrial facilities that comply with halal certification should be provided through strategic partnerships with agencies, local authorities, and financial institutions,” he said.

Selangor assembly erupts in 'DAP communist' shouts after PAS called out over Selangor Sultan's rebuke letter

Selangor assembly erupts in 'DAP communist' shouts after PAS called out over Selangor Sultan's rebuke letter

A commotion erupted in the Selangor State Legislative Assembly after the PAS assemblymen were asked to comment on the Selangor Sultan's rebuke against the Islamist party's president. — Bernama file pic

Thursday, 29 Feb 2024 5:19 PM MYT


SHAH ALAM, Feb 29 — A commotion erupted in the Selangor State Legislative Assembly today after the PAS assemblymen were asked to comment on the Selangor Sultan's rebuke against the Islamist party's president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang.

Parti Amanah Negara's Batu Tiga assemblyman Danial Al-Rashid Haron started his debate by urging Paya Jaras assemblyman Datuk Dr Ab Halim Tamuri — who received the letter in his capacity as the Selangor PAS chief — to explain the issue.


"When the two opposition representatives were debating and paying tribute to the Sultan, Paya Jaras and Ijok did not touch on the letter that was issued by the Sultan to the PAS president," he said, referring to Ab Halim and Jefri Mejan, both from the Islamist party.

Danial then gave the floor to Ab Halim to explain the matter, but the latter said he would leave the matter to Abdul Hadi himself.


Opposition assemblymen then defended Ab Halim by saying that the matter had nothing to do with the debate today and should be left outside the state assembly.


Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia's Taman Medan assemblyman Dr Afif Bahardin then raised Standing Order 36(6), claiming that Danial imputed improper motives towards his fellow Perikatan Nasional lawmaker.

But the request was rejected by Deputy Speaker of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly, Mohd Kamri Kamaruddin, saying the claim was baseless.

Mohd Kamri then ordered Danial to continue with his debate, but the Opposition requested Danial to retract his statement. The Opposition was angered when Mohd Kamri denied the request.

"What if I said ‘DAP communist?” Dr Afif angrily asked Kamri, and other Opposition lawmakers shouted "DAP communist” repeatedly after Danial was instructed to resume his debate.

Both Afif and Danial did not receive any disciplinary action from Mohd Kamri, which caused Datuk Seri Azmin Ali (Bersatu-Hulu Kelang) to remind Mohd Kamri to warn all assemblymen to not use the sitting as a platform to attack others on irrelevant matters.

Earlier, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah today directly censured PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang over an open letter urging the Malay Rulers, among others, to defend Islam in the country, calling this an affront to the country’s royal institution.

In a statement released online, the Selangor Royal Office said the Sultan was extremely disappointed with Hadi’s statement, the contents of which showed that the PAS president did not read a letter the Sultan Sharafuddin sent him before that.

Biden dogged by Democrats’ anger over Israel, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds

Biden dogged by Democrats’ anger over Israel, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds

While US President Joe Biden has tried to balance his support for Israel with calls for its military to do more to avoid civilian casualties, Trump has voiced full-throated support for the US ally, a position that appeared in line with the views of many Republicans. — Reuters pic

Thursday, 29 Feb 2024 7:36 PM MYT


WASHINGTON, Feb 29 — A majority of Democrats prefer a presidential candidate who does not back US military aid for Israel, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll that showed Democratic President Joe Biden tied with Donald Trump ahead of the November presidential election.

The three-day poll, which closed yesterday, showed 56 per cent of respondents who identified themselves as Democrats said they were less likely to support a candidate who backs military assistance for Israel, compared to 40 per cent who said they would be more likely to support such a candidate.


The poll results illustrate a potentially critical vulnerability for Biden, who has angered some within his party by supporting Israel in its war against Hamas militants, ahead of a close November election in which Biden will be loath to lose any support within his party.

Biden and his likely Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump, were tied with 36 per cent support each in a hypothetical matchup, with the rest of poll respondents saying they were not sure or would vote for someone else or no one at all.


Biden’s early and vocal support of Israel and his refusal to condition military aid on a change in military tactics has sparked outrage in his party.


On Tuesday, more than 100,000 Michigan voters in the Democrats’ presidential primary cast “uncommitted” ballots in a massive protest to Biden’s support for Israel’s military campaign.

Democrats’ anger has grown as the Gaza death toll climbs, famine looms and much of the territory’s 2.3 million population has become homeless.

The war in Gaza started when Hamas militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and capturing 253 hostages according to Israeli tallies, triggering a devastating military response from Israel that has resulted in 30,000 deaths.

A growing minority of Democrats pin the blame for the conflict on Israel’s government, which the United States has long pressured to grant some kind of statehood to a Palestinian territory.

Twenty-two percent of Democrats in the poll blamed the Israeli government for the conflict, compared to 13 per cent in the November poll. Democrats also overwhelmingly said they wanted a presidential candidate who would call for a ceasefire in the conflict.

Some 46 per cent of Democrats in the Reuters/Ipsos poll said they blamed Hamas, down from 54 per cent in a November poll.

While Biden has tried to balance his support for Israel with calls for its military to do more to avoid civilian casualties, Trump has voiced full-throated support for the US ally, a position that appeared in line with the views of many Republicans.

Some 62 per cent of Republicans in the poll said they preferred a presidential candidate that favors supplying Israel with military aid, while 34 per cent said that stance was a turnoff.

Relative to Biden, Trump has staked out a vastly different position on the America’s role in the NATO alliance, telling supporters in February that he once told the leader of a Nato ally that he would encourage Russia to attack the country if it were not meeting its financial obligations in the alliance.

In the new Reuters/Ipsos poll, 55 per cent of Republicans said they agreed with a statement that the United States must support democratic countries when they are attacked. Forty percent disagreed.

Among Democrats, 75 per cent agreed and 23 per cent disagreed.

The nationwide poll, which was conducted online, surveyed 1,185 US adults and had a margin of error of about 3 percentage points. — Reuters