COMMENT | Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recent directive for all government departments to stop using imported goods - particularly food - at official events has stirred a timely conversation about national pride, economic empowerment, and food sovereignty.

On the surface, it’s a commendable move. Supporting local farmers and homegrown products is not just patriotic; it is also an essential strategy for building a more self-reliant economy.

But is the implementation of such a sweeping directive as straightforward as it sounds?