The recent policy announcement by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, YB Mohamad Sabu, to tackle the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak and stabilise Malaysia’s pork supply chain deserves full recognition. It is a textbook example of timely and targeted governance, made possible through effective synergy between the executive and legislative arms of government—particularly the role played by the Chairman of the Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) on Agriculture, YB Cha Kee Chin from DAP.
Make no mistake: this was no coincidence. The Minister’s response came after a special parliamentary session on 5 May, where the chairman of DAP-led PSSC had a one to one meeting with the minister to raise urgent concerns following a meeting between Ministry officials and pork traders on 28 April. It was that meeting’s lacking in an outcome that spurred the Select Committee Chairman to push for decisive ministerial action. What followed was a stellar example of government organs functioning in harmony for the public good.
The policy itself is both practical and strategic. In the short term, the Ministry is exploring an expanded import source list—considering Thailand, Brazil, and China—while encouraging imports from approved countries such as those in the EU, Australia, the US, and Canada. This will help rapidly plug supply gaps and cushion price shocks. For the long term, the Ministry is pushing for structural reforms via Modern Pig Farming (MPF) systems and designated Pig Farming Areas (PFAs)—forward-looking interventions that address the root causes of recurring outbreaks while boosting national food security.
But while the government is working, others are scheming. The MCA, a component party of this very Unity Government, continues to behave as though it’s auditioning for the opposition bench. Some of its junior national-level leaders have made a habit of spewing inflammatory rhetoric designed not to help, but to sabotage public trust and manufacture discontent. They offer no solutions, only distractions. And let us be honest—this is classic MCA theatre: undermine the Unity Government’s credibility today, lay the path to join Perikatan Nasional tomorrow.
Let’s be clear: those who claim to govern must act like they govern. This is not a time for political cosplay. If MCA cannot carry the responsibilities of a ruling party, then it should stop pretending and cross the floor—join the side it already walks and talks like.
While DAP is on the ground getting the job done, MCA is busy rehearsing opposition lines. If they’re that desperate for stage time, let them exit and perform where they truly belong.
DAP will stay the course—policy-focused, people-driven, and committed to working outcomes. Our goal remains steadfast: real solutions, real delivery, and real progress for all Malaysians.
Howard Lee
MP for Ipoh Timor
