BN MPs Condemn Export Restriction Against Palm Oil
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 15 (Bernama) -- Several Barisan Nasional (BN) backbenchers have supported Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's remarks over the export restriction against palm oil into the European Union (EU).
Speaking at a press conference at Parliament today, Member of Parliament for Jasin Datuk Ahmad Hamzah said the restriction was uncalled as the EU resolution was discriminatory in nature as it singled out palm oil, while other vegetable oils could be used until 2030.
Ahmad, who is also Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) Chairman, were joined by other BN lawmakers, namely Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin (MP for Padang Besar), Datuk Dr Makin @ Marcus Mojigoh (Putatan), Tan Sri Dr Muhammad Leo Michael Toyad Abdullah (Mukah) and Datuk Liang Teck Meng (Simpang Renggam).
A resolution by the European Parliament recently called for the EU to phase out by 2020 the use of vegetable oils in biodiesel that are allegedly produced in an unsustainable way leading to deforestation. The resolution includes palm oil.
The resolution might affect the exports of palm oil to European and other developed countries.
Najib and Indonesian President Joko Widodo raised the matter during the ASEAN-EU Summit in Manila which ended yesterday.
Malaysia and Indonesia view the export restriction against palm oil into the EU very seriously and are ready to take joint action to counter the discrimination which will otherwise jeopardise more than 18 million smallholders in both countries.
-- BERNAMA
