KJ steamed fish CNY video brings message of friendship and harmony
FERNANDO FONG
New Straits Times15 February 2018
KUALA LUMPUR: Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin turns on his charm to take the spotlight in a Chinese New Year video, delivering a message of harmony and friendship in a diversed Malaysia Shot in his parliamentary constituency, Rembau, the video was recorded in Mui Fong restaurant in Kampung Batu, whom the owners are affectionately known as Aunty Yin Fah and Uncle Leong.
Flashing a smile as he talks to Aunty Yin Fah in the video, Khairy shares his understanding of the Chinese culture and tradition, as he presented a fish to be cooked and savoured together at the restaurant. She then taught him how to cook steamed fish for Chinese New Year, while his son, Jibreil, captures the experience on a smartphone. "Through this experience, I understand that fish dishes have many distinctive meanings, especially celebratory meals. Among other things, the dish symbolises the abundance of prosperity," said Khairy, who is also Umno Youth chief.
He highlighted the Chinese New Year greeting is Nian Nian You Yu - which means something like, 'may every year end with ample surplus'. Jibreil also chipped in, noting that the Chinese language word-play, yú (surplus) sounds similar to yú (fish), an apt reminder that fish are linked to a livelihood filled with abundance and prosperity.
The 2-minute video received a 'standing ovation' from the public. It garnered more than 12,000 likes, shared more than 3,450 times and attracted more than 730 comments on his Facebook page as of today. Netizens appreciated the effort put by Khairy into bringing Malaysians together this festive season. A Facebook user by the name Raz Mataz said: "That's the spirit la KJ. At least one of you are making this step to bring us together iamalaysia! and its quite cool you'r teaching your young ones the harmony of us Malaysians."
Another Facebook user, Kam Manap, was equally impressed. "True blue politician. Knew how best to create positive image. That makes you different then the rest. Caya.lah (awesome)."© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
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