A gastronomic argument defending the term ' Cina Babi ' (Chinese pig) has stirred up a debate throughout the nation.
But for one DAP assemblyperson, the stomach really is the way to the heart, and a way to deal with conflict.
"My message to Umno chaps and red-shirters, if you think that by calling me a ' Cina Babi ' will make you happier, then please go ahead and do it, for I will not get offended at all even if I do not really consume pork nowadays.
"But I will assure you that I will not scold you the same. Instead, if you are willing, I am more than happy to treat you a halal meal and we can get to know each other better," Kampung Tunku assemblyperson Lau Weng San said on Facebook.
When contacted, Lau said no one has taken him up on his offer, but he is more than happy to sit down and drink 'teh tarik' with anyone who is willing.
"We have to be open minded... it is good for us to be above shouting, and if you are willing to discuss with me, then I am more than willing to discuss with you over a cup of 'teh tarik' anytime anywhere," he told Malaysiakini .
Many racist remarks made at rally
A spokesperson for the red shirts, Jamal Md Yunos ( photo ), told reporters yesterday that ' Cina Babi ' should not be seen as an insult .
"For Malays the word pig is sensitive. But for the Chinese what is the problem? It is their food," he said when asked on protesters at Wednesday's rally using the term on Chinese reporters.
It was one of many racist remarks made at Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu, including a woman who called the DAP pigs. A police report was lodged against her in Johor today.
Racist remarks were also uttered in speeches by political leaders at the rally, and written on various placards held by the 45,000 strong crowd.
Related reports
Muhyiddin: Leaders try to be heroes by using race card
Umno is using Malays to scare others
Analysts: Red shirts failed to achieve all their aims
Red shirts’ objective is to spook the Chinese
Red shirt rally - Umno the biggest losers
'Whether you steal chickens or money, bad people get caught'
