KUCHING: Both the Bak Chang (glutinous rice dumplings stuffed with various fillings, and wrapped in bamboo, lotus or banana leaves) and ketupat (rice cake packed inside a diamond-shaped container of woven palm leaf pouch) are icons of the Malaysian national identity, said Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
He said both local delicacies symbolised the facets of a multiracial community with common ground in the differences of culture, learning from each other, sharing with and respecting each other.
“Whether you enjoy ketupat dipped in curry, or prefer to savour a Chinese dumpling with flavourful fillings, the firm texture of sticky rice coupled with the aroma of bamboo leaves makes you want more than one but the most important thing is the spirit of sharing them with one another across cultures,” he said in his Facebook post while wishing Chinese community celebrants a harmonious Dragon Boat Festival today (June 22).
He added that to allow everyone the chance of experiencing other ethnic cuisines, the market had increasingly responded with halal versions of rice dumpling gift boxes while vegetarian versions had been introduced to be more inclusive.
“I hope that everyone can appreciate this slice of multiculturalism with an open and inclusive attitude.
“Let the cultural value of traditional cuisines break down the ethnic barriers to showcase Malaysia’s true uniqueness to the world, that camaraderie between cultures is awesome.
“With that, I wish everyone a harmonious Dragon Boat Festival with great success moving forward,” he said.
