Refering to the letter Dr M's outburst in tune with public sentiment , I do not agree with the writer's view that 'farming' is not the proper direction for the country. I think our prime minister is heading the right direction by shifting our focus to a agricultural and biotech-based industries.

As an ex-engineer in a Japanese semiconductor company, I noticed that Mahathir's ' Look East Policity ' is a total failure. The so-called 'technology transfer', which was the main objective of the policy, has never been achieved.

The Japanese invested in our country because of our underpaid workers and cheap operating costs. The more suitable term I think is 'factory transfer' instead of 'technology transfer'. I believe none of our semiconductor companies can be independent and survive if the Japanese retreat from our country.

Agricultural-based industries, on the other hand, have proven to be profitable in countries like Australia, New Zealand and Netherlands. The per capita income of these countries are even higher than the Eastern Silicon Valley - Singapore. It is easier to obtain the technical know-how for agricultural-based industries compared to semiconductor or other heavy industries.

I still have faith in our PM