History of Mandarin Oranges - What Am I Even Eating?!)

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 4, 2025: According to the Taliban-like PAS, its party’s Harakahdaily has reported that every Mandarin orange must carry the halal logo/certification.

The news has not been verified as a search on the online Harakahdaily could not find the above image now circulated in social media WhatsApp..

But, if it is true, then the racial and religious bigots in PAS are getting more and more ridiculous by the day.

What is the so-called Madani Unity Government going to do about this, if it is true?

No News Is Bad News reproduces below on how PAS is trying to impose Islamic laws on non-Muslims and their businesses:

The cultural significance of mandarin oranges

by Serene Chow

It’s that time of the year again - reunion dinners, red packets, and relatives (some you only meet once a year!). All telltale signs of the Lunar New Year. While red might be the colour most associated with Chinese New Year, when it comes to fruits, the star has always been orange in colour.

More specifically, Citrus reticulata, better known as the mandarin orange, has always been the staple fruit associated with the celebration.

But why are mandarin oranges so sought after during Chinese New Year? Is there more to this connection than just its name? Unsurprisingly, there’s a deeper meaning as to why the Chinese favour this fruit amongst others.

Mandarin oranges have always been considered as a traditional symbol of good fortune. This is mainly because the word orange, when spoken in mandarin, sounds similar to the word “wealth”. The orange hue of the fruit is also said to symbolise “gold”, which makes it a very auspicious fruit.

Giving mandarin oranges to loved ones during the celebration is a symbolic way of wishing someone happiness and prosperity, as you are literally giving them “wealth”. Exchanging mandarin oranges when visiting one’s house has always been a form of respect and tradition. Its auspiciousness makes it a crucial decorative item everywhere, such as homes, offices, shops, etc. Its presence acts as an invitation for good fortune to bless the inhabitants.

While exchanging gifts is a good practise, the predominant point of Chinese New Year has always been to spend quality time with the people you love. To meet, to catch up, to enjoy each other’s presence. Mandarin oranges are a simple way of showing your appreciation to the people you love. To wish them happiness, just as they have brought happiness to you. - Monash University

Democratic Action Party

Is the “Pas For All” slogan still alive and relevant?

2 days after PAS extended Christmas greetings to all Malaysian Christians, acknowledging Malaysia’s cultural diversity adding vibrancy to our shared experience, PAS Government in Kelantan today announces that all food and beverage establishment owners in Kelantan will soon be required to obtain a halal certificate to renew their business licences.

The decision is making their Christmas greeting a complete mockery, as the decision is highly exclusionary and discriminative. This policy directly marginalizes non-Muslim businesses, effectively banning traditional dishes like Bak Kut Teh, char siu and siu yuk (roast pork) from being served in Kota Bharu. Such actions disregard the rights and livelihoods of the non-Muslim community and erode the spirit of diversity of Malaysia.

This move sharply contrasts with the inclusive leadership of the late Tok Guru Nik Aziz, who assured non-Muslim communities that their cultural practices, such as pig farming and selling, would be respected in Kelantan. It raises the question: is “PAS for All” merely a hollow political slogan?

Malaysia is a world-recognised halal certification hub and a benchmark for quality and safety for goods that meet international standards. We take pride in Malaysia being the first country to establish Malaysian halal standards which serve as a reference for the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states.

In September this year, the Madani Cabinet decided to maintain the existing policy which was introduced since 1974, i.e. does not make halal certificates compulsory, however will offer a range of incentives and initiatives to encourage more products or services to be certified halal.

The new policy also places additional costs on small and medium sized F & B operators in Kelantan, the vast majority of whom are Muslims. Many of them are already serving halal food despite not having an official halal certificate and they should be incentivised, instead of forced, to obtain the certificate.

PAS-led Kelantan Government should respect the choices of the F & B owners and their customers, stop implementing policies that will burden the small and medium-sized operators, and that alienate and exclude those who differ from them. Instead, Kelantan government should just learn and adopt the approach taken by Madani Government.

Or, they should admit the “PAS for All” slogan is officially dead.

Teo Nie Ching

DAP National Publicity Secretary

Syahredzan Johan

No News Is Bad News

Saturday, 4 January 2025

Taliban-like PAS now wants fruits to be certified halal?

History of Mandarin Oranges - What Am I Even Eating?!)

The cultural significance of mandarin oranges

Democratic Action Party

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