rewang-rewang - random thoughts or diary (sort of): September 2008

Visit to Taiwan needs to be applauded
Ken Sep 12, 08 6:31pm
The BN Backbenchers Club has gone on a two-week trip to Tawain. The Opposition and many Malaysians are viewing this important trip as a desperate effort to stop Pakatan Rakyat from taking power on Sept 16.

What these critics don't realise is that this trip is absolutely necessary and it has to be done now, given that the government has placed agriculture at the top of its economic agenda and allocated a big amount in the 2009 Budget revealed recently.

If there is a delay, these same critics will blame the BN government for not acting fast. A proper analysis of this issue will expose the illogical criticism of the opposition.

The 2009 Budget has provided huge allocations to develop the agricultural industry. Any delay could have dire consequences, given that Malaysia is facing a serious economic downturn. The more than 40 BN MPs are currently gaining first-hand knowledge and insight about major agricultural activities in Taiwan.

In particular, the BN MPs will be able to learn from the Taiwanese about advancements in sectors where Taiwan excels. Upon return on Sept 20, these selfless BN MPs should be able to immediately spearhead Malaysia's next strategic move to diversify its agriculture beyond oil palm and rubber (where Malaysia is already a world leader and an authority and provides expertise to other countries) and tropical fruits, rice and vegetables to the rearing of animals and animal produce for export like how Australia and New Zealand are doing.

This is a strategy which should be applauded as it will mean more employment for Malaysians and inflow of substantial foreign exchange at a time when we are facing reduction in our traditional exports and encountering difficulties in attracting FDI.

Sheep and cattle rearing is not possible in Malaysia, given the humid and hot climate. The only other economically viable animal rearing activity which has a big export market is pig rearing. Taiwan has emerged as a major exporter of pork and pigs and has even overtaken Denmark in exporting to countries such as Japan.

The Taiwanese are emerging as a world authority in pig farming , offering expertise and assistance to many countries. It is only logical, therefore, for us to conclude that the BN MPs are visiting Taiwan to learn about pig farming from the experts to launch a new industry in Malaysia.

What else can Malaysia, whose agricultural sector is relatively bigger than that of Taiwan, learn from the Taiwanese about agriculture relevant to the country?

The BN MPs, in particular the Muslim MPs, are making a huge sacrifice by going on this urgent trip. The sacrifice they are making is evident from the statement of the BBC chairman: "I actually suggested of going on Sept 20, but the majority of the club members are Muslims who will be celebrating Hari Raya beginning October, and they said they would be busy with preparations for the festival."

The piousness of these Muslim MPs is being severely tested during this trip. How are they going to fast and buka puasa with proper halal food and pray five times a day in an environment which is oblivious to Islamic practices - a country where many haram items and practices, for example the consumption of pork and alcohol, are ubiquitous.

What greater sacrifice can one expect from our BN Muslim MPs who have placed the nation above their religion by going to Taiwan on a critical agricultural mission during a period when observance of Islamic practices are most relevant and important?

We, the humble rakyat, thank them for their selflessness.