As expected, some opportunistic politicians may have resorted to mixing politics with business – pig business, to be precise. But isn't that the very “potent mix” which causes the stench to reach the high heavens?
The Tanjung Sepat pig farming issue reached a “breaking point”, drawing widespread public attention earlier this year after Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah reportedly challenged state assemblypersons to live near the farms to experience the harsh realities themselves.
For the record, the town in question is located in the Kuala Langat district of Selangor and houses some 114 licensed pig farms, most of which have operated there for over 60 years. However, in January last year, an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) hit the area, sparking fears of a potentially serious health crisis while also triggering a political firestorm.
More recently, a larger controversy erupted after it was reported that pig farming will no longer be allowed in any district in the state. According to a statement from the Selangor Royal Office, the industry is known to cause air pollution and foul odours, while discharging waste and sewage that contaminates river water sources.
Unsurprisingly, following the royal “decree”, Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari announced that the state government would no longer issue new pig farming licences, while the closure of existing farms would be expedited and carried out in phases.
However, the issue did not end there. How could it, when it affects the livelihoods of thousands of people in the state – and the basic dietary needs of millions across the country?
Then last Wednesday (April 22), a vocal Selangor Barisan Nasional leader Jamal Yunos caused a stir after lashing out at DAP's Seri Kembangan assemblyperson Wong Siew Ki for mooting a modern, closed pig farming system in the state. Labelling her as rude for allegedly defying the royal decree, he called for the latter to get out of the state if she refused to accede to the Selangor Sultan’s wishes.
He was soon joined by Selangor PAS Youth who rebuked the DAP rep for allegedly disrespecting the Selangor Sultan’s order – even calling for her to be suspended from the state legislative assembly for 12 months.
Not to be outdone, UMNO Youth chief Akmal Saleh – whom some critics may find somewhat quiet when it comes to corruption cases – became the latest to reprimand the DAP leader on the issue.
Akmal calls for pork to be imported over local production – but won't consumers be the ones left bearing the higher cost?
While concerns over hygiene, public health and pollution may be justified, the latest uproar may have imperceptibly morphed into an identity politics “hot potato.” It has also raised some serious questions given the highly sensitive and multifaceted nature of the matter.
For sure, legal practitioners who are well versed with the Federal Constitution – which is the supreme law of the land – may feel compelled to ask: under the country's Constitutional Monarchy system, as it's understood, the Sultan acts on the “advice” of the Executive. Perhaps, this case warranted a unique approach, as it touches on religious sensitivities where the ruler's role as the head of religion carries significant weight?
In that context, what some members of the public may query is: if a precedent is set here, how will other states navigate similar thorny issues in their own backyard? Will they, too, be tempted to take the cue from Selangor?
In truth, are some politicians subtly playing on religious sentiments with this issue – under the guise of upholding the Sultan's decree?
Ironically, while PAS has vehemently called out the DAP leader to respect the Sultan's wishes, some would remind the party of its own action in the Bon Odori controversy in 2022. Back then, didn't it openly defy the ruler's decree when it called on Muslims to avoid the Japanese festival allegedly claiming that it may have some elements of ancestral worship?
Meanwhile, from the perspective of an elected assemblyperson, wouldn't the DAP rep also feel that she is duty-bound to “update” the authorities on the availability of modern, sustainable technology for pig farming that effectively addresses existing concerns relating to the industry – never mind if it's rejected?
So the endgame?
Win or lose, DAP is likely to reclaim some degree of goodwill among its disillusioned Chinese voter base – at least, for standing up boldly and being counted. This may be in contrast to others, who appear content to blame the party (which is part of the state administration) for not assuming responsibility over the issue, while they themselves remain relatively quiet.
In conclusion, putting an end to pig farming in Selangor may be framed as a necessity in order to maintain public peace and harmony – especially given the state’s demographics. However, what many true peace-loving citizens may wonder is: more than anything else, aren't politicians who exploit such issues for their own narrow agenda – at the expense of the needs and constitutional rights of others – guilty of violating that very peace and harmony?
Main information source: Malaysiakini, FMT and The Vibes.
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