RIGHTIST UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh who was muted on the alleged RM230 mil zakat fund swindling by an NGO has lent a voice by ticking off Seri Kembangan assemblywoman Wong Siew Ki for defying the Selangor ruler’s royal order to ban pig farming statewide.
Yesterday (April 22), the DAP state rep – in the name of equality according to the Federal Constitution – contended, among others, that hog rearing “shouldn’t be differentiated from that of other animals”.
This is given that the risk of pollution as well as the, hygienic and health aspect are the same as faced by the farming of other livestock.
Recall that Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s decree in February (hugely in the name of social harmony) to resort instead to pork import to meet local demand has effectively stopped the proposed large-scale centralised pig farming project in Bukit Tagar, Hulu Selangor.
“His Highness the Sultan of Selangor has already decreed he doesn’t approve of pig farming (in the state) but doesn’t prevent people from eating pork,” reacted the staunch defender of race and religion in a Facebook page.
“If you (still) want to eat pork, then import it, YB DAP. What is the point of disobeying the Sultan of Selangor’s order?”
The Merlimau state assemblyman further retorted: “What about raising pigs that are said to be good in areas where the majority of populace are pork eaters? If you agree, make your home area the first project site. Simple.”
But the spotlight seemed to fall on the infamous UMNO Sungai Besar head Datuk Seri Jamal Yunos who mocked Wong “to get out of Selangor if she doesn’t want to accede to the Selangor ruler’s wishes”.
‘Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy’
Somehow, Wong has found an unexpected supporter in former MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker who described the statement by the Selangor Barisan Nasional (BN) communications director as “legally flawed and dangerous to democratic governance”.
“The BN leadership can’t remain silent and allow an individual to spoil the image of BN,” the former two-term senator (August 2018-August 2024) hit out in a FB post.
“They must convene, uphold the rule of law and not allow irresponsible statements to damage the coalition’s credibility and standing.”
Delving further, the former national unity minister reminded that Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy whereby “the powers and role of the Malay Rulers – including the Sultan Selangor – are subject to the Federal Constitution and respective state constitutions”.
“A royal decree is not law by itself unless provided for. A titah does deserve respect as guidance and counsel,” asserted Ti who is a lawyer by training.
However, it doesn’t carry the force of law automatically unless it is translated into legislation and passed by the legislative body. Laws are only valid when enacted by the state legislative assembly.”
Democracy is not about “either you agree or leave the state”. The notion that one must agree or be told to leave the state reflects an authoritarian mindset that contradicts the spirit of the Federal Constitution.
If normalised, it destroys checks and balances – replacing them with fear and suppression.
‘Suspend her for derhaka‘
Joining the chorus of attack against Wong for defying Sultan Sharafuddin’s decree by urging the state government to consider exploring a closed and modern pig farming system, including the zero-discharge concept and biogas to electricity recycling technology” is Selangor PAS Youth chief Sukri Omar.
“I urge the Selangor state assembly speaker and the relevant committees to look into this matter seriously and consider taking strict disciplinary action, including suspending the Seri Kembangan rep from the House for up to 12 months,” demanded Sukri who is also the PAS Shah Alam president.
This is if it is found that she has indeed raised a proposal that is contrary to the decree of His Highness and is defamatory of the institution of the constitutional monarchy.
In my view, such a matter shouldn’t be taken lightly as it affects the dignity of the House, national order and respect for state institutions.
As a show of disapproval for being defiant to the Selangor ruler, Sukri has further mooted a handover of memorandum in front of Wong’s office at 2.30pm this Friday (April 24).
While the derhaka (disloyalty) chant against Wong reverberated across cyberspace, the two-term DAP state rep (previously Balakong) did find backing from the swine consumer fraternity to say the least as gauged from this Free Malaysia Today’s FB post.
- Focus Malaysia
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