It's outrageous that Malaysia has not only staked ownership of popular local dishes like Hainanese chicken rice and bak kut teh, but has also accused other countries -- implying Singapore -- of hijacking them, says a fuming STOMPer Brad Tan.

He was referring to comments by Malaysian Tourism Minister Ng Yen Yen that laksa, nasi lemak, Hainanese chicken rice, chilli crab and bak kut teh are all Malaysian dishes.

Not only this, she also accused other countries of "hijacking" the local dishes, declaring that it was high time that Malaysia claimed them as Malaysian.

'We cannot continue to let other countries hijack our food,' she said, without naming the countries.

'Chilli crab is Malaysian. Hainanese chicken rice is Malaysian. We have to lay claim to our food,' the minister said after she launched the Malaysia International Gourmet Festival.

Food critics disagreed with her contention. Even Malaysian celebrity chef Rohani Jelani said that food in general is not politically divided.

Brad Tan says that he is not surprised with such comments coming from Malaysian ministers as they do it all the time.

But they should stay clear of a passionate subject like food.