Derogatory remarks on food of other communities undermine national unity, says Puncak Borneo MP

KUCHING (Jan 21): Malaysians have been urged to stop insulting or mocking the food culture of other communities, with warnings that such behaviour undermines national harmony and mutual respect.

Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin made the call during the debate on the Motion of Thanks for the Royal Address in the Dewan Rakyat, where he highlighted derogatory remarks on social media targeting certain foods, particularly comments labelling pork as ‘dirty’ or ‘disgusting’.

“We were never taught to insult or humiliate the food of other people. Yet those who consume pork are often accused of being ‘uncivilised’, which is unfair and offensive,” he said.

Willie stressed that every community has its own traditional foods with distinct characteristics, which should not be used to disparage one another.

“We respect each other’s food and traditions. This mutual respect is what allows us to live in harmony, as emphasised by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he added, urging Malaysians to avoid unnecessary conflict.

He also highlighted the importance of unity and cooperation for nation-building, citing neighbouring countries such as Singapore, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand as examples of nations that have progressed through collective effort.

“If they can unite to develop their countries, why can’t we do the same in Malaysia?” he said, calling on Malaysians to uphold the royal advice and work together for the country’s continued development and stability.

On Monday, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, had urged political leaders to avoid provocation and warned that irresponsible remarks could fuel regional tensions.

In his Royal Address, he emphasised that differences in views must be handled with maturity, not driven by hatred or suspicion.