KUALA LUMPUR – A recent revelation that only a single Malaysian company was given approval to import eggs from India has gotten the attention of Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (Arau-PN), who wants the matter be discussed in the Dewan Rakyat.
Addressing the house today, the veteran politician said it is pertinent that the public is informed of the importer’s identity in the spirit of transparency.
He said this is in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim-led government’s stand that all projects need to go through an open tender.
“We want to know who the importer is. This (debate) should be expedited because the people are curious – as the importer is said to be someone who is involved with ‘the big shot’.
“People are asking. But how would I know?
“I think we should debate on who the egg importer is and how much the cost is involved.
“I will file (a motion) later,” he said today.
Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor then told Shahidan to write officially to the speaker’s office if he intends to follow up on the matter.
Shahidan said the motion will be moved under Standing Order 18(1) of the Dewan Rakyat, which grants ordinary MPs the chance to write in to discuss a defined matter of urgent public importance.
Standing Order 18(2) stipulates that the MP who wishes to discuss such a defined matter shall submit a written notification to the speaker at least 24 hours before the commencement of a sitting, and must include an explanation to the effect that the matter in question is indeed definite, urgent and of public importance.
The speaker may then choose to reject the motion unless he is satisfied that it fulfils all three aforementioned requirements.
Shahidan’s comments come just two days after Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu revealed that only one Malaysian company has been given approval to import eggs from India to address the shortage of the produce here.
“As of now, only one company is given approval based on the application and recommendations received by the ministry,” he said in a parliamentary reply.
Mohamad said the firm, which has been given a special import licence for a six-month period beginning December 2022, was chosen based on its experience exporting eggs from India to Qatar to fulfil demands for the World Cup last year. – The Vibes, March 2, 2023
