KUALA LUMPUR: Derogatory remarks about the food of other races have no place in a multicultural Malaysia, says a government backbencher.
Datuk Willie Mongin (GPS-Puncak Borneo) called for mutual respect, citing instances where pork was labelled as disgusting and foul-smelling.
“Us Dayaks have never insulted the dishes of others, yet there are times we have been labelled as being uncivilised for eating pork.
“This must be stopped at once. We must show mutual respect for the dishes served by other ethnic groups.
“If pork has a certain smell associated with it, what about budu and belacan? Yet, we do not make negative comments on (such dishes),” he said when debating the royal address in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Jan 21).
Willie also urged Malaysians not to court controversy, but to continue uplifting unity.
“This country is where it is because of the cooperation between the various races.
“Our neighbours have all united to develop their respective countries. What is stopping us from doing so?” he asked.
