Ex-MCA veep chides DAP for “going into hiding” in Selangor Sultan-state gov’t pig farming ‘stand-off’

 

DAP should not let Selangor Menteri Besar (MB) Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari to take the rap alone in the latter’s effort to defend pig farming in the state in light of heavy criticism by Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah on behalf of Muslims in the state.

This is given that DAP is part of the Selangor state government – not a by-stander – and that government decisions are responsibility which should be shouldered collectively, according to former MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker.

“Where is DAP in all this? Why go into hiding? Don’t leave PKR’s MB Amirudin to defend the pig farmers alone!” jibed the former youth and sports deputy minister in a Facebook post.

“DAP cannot switch off their responsibility when it becomes inconvenient or politically damaging! If the decision is sound, lawful and scientifically-based, why is DAP silent on the matter instead of explaining, convincing and defending it publicly?”

As it is Selangor Infrastructure and Agriculture EXCO Datuk Izham Hashim has denied claims by furious Muslims that the state government had intended to engage in pork export with its deemed mega pig farm project given the current supply of 30% is only sufficient to meet the needs of swine consumers.

Moreover, following the Amanah treasurer-general and Selangor chairman’s meeting with Sultan Sharafuddin on Monday (Jan 12), the state government would no longer allow pig farm operations to continue – even temporarily in Kuala Langat and Sepang – but instead the process of moving to Bukit Tagar would be expedited.

In Izham’s contention, Bukit Tagar has been identified as the only new location for pig farming in Selangor subject to strict conditions, including the creation of a wide buffer zone, a closed farming system and a ‘zero discharge’ method.

Harping on what he described as “blatant double standards” Ti further jibed DAP for having in the past demanded that MCA must be blamed or bear collective responsibility for every government decision even when MCA was not the decision-maker in charge of a particular portfolio.

“Today when DAP is in power, the same principle of collective responsibility and accountability has conveniently disappeared,” mocked the two-term senator.

“So, the rule seems to be collective responsibility and public accountability for MCA but silence or escape responsibility for DAP.”

Politics aside, Ti who had also previously served as a national unity deputy minister stressed that the pig farming issue must be addressed based on facts, science and the rule of law “instead of media trials or political sensationalism”.

“If a farm complies with environmental, health and legal standards, it should not be selectively targeted. Chickens are allowed. Cattle are allowed. This is about Animal Farm. Why single out pigs?” he asked. “Selective outrage is not regulation, it is discrimination.” –  Focus Malaysia