KOTA KINABALU – The political mud-slinging between DAP and the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) over Sabah’s soaring pork prices has intensified today, with the latter now accusing a federal deputy minister of hiding behind his aide in responding to the issue.
SAPP vice-president Gee Tien Siong today claimed Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Chan Foong Hin had deferred the issue to his private secretary, Kaven Lee, a person Gee said was not qualified to address the matter.
“The people are expecting to hear the official response from the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, and Chan should not hide behind a private secretary.
“Unless the deputy minister himself is incompetent, a private secretary without authority and responsibility should not be allowed to publicly release unofficial fallacies.
“Instead of sending a subordinate and wasting newspaper space to attack me, why not properly explain what practical actions the ministry has taken to lower the price of pork?” he asked.
Gee said the basis of “food security” is to strengthen local production and reduce dependence on imports, including for pork products.
He explained that in addition to swine flu, many pig farmers chose to reduce production due to rising operating costs, including for animal feed.
Gee said Chan had spoken several times about lowering the pork prices between December last year and March this year but had not presented any solutions.
He also called for Chan to be held accountable for his statements.
Gee also claimed that Sabah farmers have yet to receive any help from the ministry since Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional formed the federal government.
On the contrary, farms affected by swine flu in the peninsula have already received RM4 million in assistance, he said.
SAPP and DAP are part of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-led state government, although the former remains a member of Perikatan Nasional. – The Vibes, April 4, 2023
