Minister to meet 'boycott Chinese products' NGOs

Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Hasan Malek plans to meet with the 20 Muslim NGOs which have called for a boycott of products made by a number of Chinese Malaysian companies. 

Commenting on the action by the NGOs, Hasan said he respected the stand of the group because as a neutral body, it had freedom of expression.

"Every NGO has the right to express an opinion and this ministry does not want to be involved... because our function is to protect the interest and rights of the people," he said.

Hasan, however, said he would call for a meeting with the representatives of the NGOs concerned in the near future to discuss the matter in detail.

At a media conference on Tuesday (left), 20 Muslim NGOs called on Muslims to boycott several products by Chinese Malaysian companies which they claim funded Pakatan Rakyat in the 13th general election (GE13). 

Show proof of price hikes

Meanwhile, Hasan challenged those claiming that there are increases in the prices of essential items after GE13 to come forward with proof instead of making unfounded claims. 

Emphasising that there had been no increase in the prices of essential goods, Hasan said the opposition liked to make allegations without proof which showed that they deliberately wanted to cause public hatred against the government.

"All their talks carry political undertones without thinking of developing the country at all. Disclose the place (where prices have gone up) so that we can make inspection... I personally am willing to go down even to Kota Kinabalu (Sabah)," he told reporters after opening the Buy Malaysian Goods Expo 2013 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

The three-day expo, which began yesterday, is participated by about 100 exhibitors comprising government agencies and private companies in the various sectors including automotive, food and drinks, furniture, interior decorations and health.

Earlier in his speech, the minister said companies in this country should not look only at the domestic market as their main consumers but should also build their capacity to compete with the best outside the country.

"One way of penetrating the global market is when our products and services can compete with and fulfill the world standards," he said.

On the Buy Malaysian Goods Campaign, Hasan said it was a continuous effort by the ministry to assist the growth of the national economy and check the outflow of funds.

- Bernama