Proposal to consider adopting a modern pig farming system.
Two former deputy law ministers have defended Seri Kembangan assemblyperson Wong Siew Ki’s proposal for the Selangor government to consider adopting a modern pig farming system, saying it does not go against Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s decree against further pig farming in the state.
Questioning Perikatan Nasional’s criticism of Wong, Amanah leader Hanipa Maidin said the DAP lawmaker’s suggestion did not disrespect the Selangor ruler’s decree.
“While the sultan’s decree certainly deserves full respect and was undoubtedly made after careful deliberation, it shouldn’t preclude assemblypersons from proposing constructive solutions to the issue.
“Suggesting a modern, technical approach in the august House is a matter of policy innovation and should not be misconstrued as a sign of disrespect toward the royal decree,” Hanipa said in a statement yesterday.
The former Sepang MP said elected representatives must distinguish between defiance and problem-solving, adding that respect for a royal decree should not stop lawmakers from debating practical alternatives and improvements.
Yesterday, PN representatives attempted to raise an emergency motion to refer Wong for disciplinary proceedings over her proposal.
A day earlier, Selangor PAS Youth chief Sukri Omar called for Wong to be suspended from the state legislative assembly for 12 months, while Selangor BN information chief Jamal Yunos said she was welcome to leave the state.
During her debate on the royal address, Wong said pig farming involved equality rights under Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution. She argued that pig farming should be treated the same as other livestock, as it carries similar pollution, hygiene, and health risks.
She proposed that the government and investors consider adopting a modern closed-house pig farming system in Selangor, using zero-discharge processes and biogas recycling technologies.
Supporting Hanipa’s view, DAP national legal bureau chairperson Ramkarpal Singh said criticism of Wong showed “a poor understanding” of an elected representative’s duties and functions.
“Wong’s proposal ought to be debated rationally and maturely in the state assembly, and calling for her to be reprimanded on the matter will create a dangerous precedent in silencing elected representatives, particularly on matters in the public interest, which is undoubtedly against democratic values and principles,” the Bukit Gelugor MP said yesterday.
He said Wong had offered “constructive alternative solutions” on an issue of public interest and should not have been dismissed outright.
On Feb 10, the Selangor sultan said he did not consent to pig farming in the state due to pollution and limited land resources, and suggested pork be imported instead to meet demand.
The decree followed public backlash over the state government’s proposed centralised pig farming project in Bukit Tagar, including protests from nearby residents.
In January, His Highness also firmly opposed renewing licences for pig farms in Tanjung Sepat, Kuala Langat, challenging assemblypersons to live next to the farms themselves to understand the problems firsthand.
In a separate statement today, Selangor MCA chairperson Lawrence Low urged all parties to consider Wong’s proposal rationally and avoid politicising the issue.
Low, who is also MCA vice-president, said Wong’s suggestion involved practical matters such as agricultural modernisation, environmental management, and food security.
“Public policy should be based on data, technology, and real needs, not driven by emotions or labels. Otherwise, even the most serious policy discussions can easily be derailed.
“Why is it that an issue originally concerning industrial upgrading and environmental management is immediately turned into an emotional confrontation?” he said.
Former DAP central executive committee member Ronnie Liu also urged the Selangor government to address growing concerns over the state’s pig farming policy, warning that the issue could no longer be ignored.
In a statement today, Liu questioned why senior DAP leaders had not sought an audience with the Selangor ruler, engaged the menteri besar, or raised the matter at federal level with the prime minister and cabinet.
He said the issue affected long-standing farmers, supply chains, prices, and public confidence in the government.
“Do not continue to delay and evade, and do not wait until the non-Malay communities completely lose confidence in the Selangor state government and the Madani government,” he said.
Liu added that if a lawful industry was being phased out due to policy changes, the government must ensure transparency and fairness by explaining the legal basis, whether due process was followed, and outlining compensation and transition plans.