So if the opposition brings up an issue that is factual and raises issues from the point of accountability, good governance, ethics and fair play or misrepresentation, does it become a non issue just because the opposition raised it?

This is a stupid way of arguing when we are preaching transformation and changing of mindsets!

For that matter, even claiming we are a democracy when we fail to respect the choice of voters and we do all kind of things from trying to buy them to running them down, to other clandestine moves and worse, holding back funds for that constituency thinking erroneously that the monies belong to one’s grandfather!

It is worth reminding the government that these politicians from the other side are also representing voters and they have a right to raise issues!

So what are the facts?

Thanks to the exposure we are aware that 13 items that did not comply with the Ministry of Health’s Food Regulations 1985.

We are talking about a major legislation here!

Only an absolute idiot, and we have many in Malaysia who will say, “Labelling and composition of the product are two issues that can happen to any of the products at all, especially for new products entering the market.”

In other words, it is a small matter. Small matter my foot: this is misrepresentation!

We have a responsibility to enforce the food safety and quality standards of products sold in our stores in the public’s interests.

It is highly irresponsible if we try to downplay the incident or deflect responsibility by trying to put the blame on whistleblowers.

And it is common knowledge that E Coli bacteria can produce toxins which are known to cause diarrhoea and in some cases death.

So are we waiting for a death to take place from consuming the products, before addressing a wrong, or facilitating a recall?

In the US, UK, the European Union and rest of the civilised world where there is no symbiotic relationship between big business and politics this is a wrong and no two ways about it. This is a major omission and a criminal act.

As far as I am concerned my advice to the KRIM group and to the officials, let us stop politicking and do the right thing.

If there is a wrong get it right and apologise and move on.

You will be respected for that instead of twisting and turning, spinning, politicking, wasting your monies on twitter and facebook and trying to cover up which is presently what we do best thinking that Malaysian consumers are stupid.

If only we can have the courage the religious conviction we claim we have to admit wrong, apologise and move on and in some cases – resign.

Jacob George is president of Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam, Selangor (CASSA).