It was reported in today’s China Press Daily that Malaysia Pineapple Industry Board ( MPIB) director-general Sahdan Salim had said that if China continues to delay the import of Malaysia pineapples in next month’s bilateral negotiations, Malaysia may ban the import of mandarin oranges from China early next year.
He said that due to bureaucratic issues, export of pineapples to China has not materialised after four years of talks between Malaysia and China.
While there is a need for both nations to iron out the bureaucratic issues, the talk or idea of banning import of China’s mandarin oranges as a counter-measure should not have been considered for two reasons.
Firstly, making a threat is not conducive to any business talks.
Secondly and most importantly, the idea of a ban even is a reflection of total insensitivity to the feelings of the Chinese community and lack of respect of Chinese New Year festival.
Is Sahdan not aware that mandarin oranges are considered traditional symbols of abundance and good fortune and are used by many families as prayer items, decoration and gifts during Chinese New Year?
Sedan’s idea is totally absurd, irresponsible and unacceptable and in fact as crazy as the idea to ban Facebook in Malaysia.
Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who will hold discussions with China next month, has no option but to immediately and publicly shoot down the idea.
It was also reported in The Star yesterday that Sahdan has also said that China is expected to become our biggest importer of pineapple, taking over from Singapore and Middle East countries which are now our main export markets.
However, his proposal, besides causing the Chinese community to be angry, could also be perceived by the Chinese authorities as a threat and can further complicate continued talks on the export of Malaysia’ pineapples to China, hence the government should seriously consider removing him as director-general of MPIB.
TERESA KOK is DAP national vice-chairperson and MP for Seputeh.
