"Mature comments please, Mr Minister"

The recent statement from Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister calling on consumers to boycott Chinese traders who refuse to lower the price of their goods and services despite the reduction of fuel prices is nothing short of appalling.

The statement not only smacks of racisms but also raises the questions on effectiveness and power vested upon the ministry in controlling the prices of goods in the country.

Now, the minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had replied to a Facebook post that the biggest power lies within the consumers.

True. But, he went on to say that the majority of consumers are Malays while the Chinese are minorities, so if the Malays boycott Chinese traders, the latter are left with no choice but to reduce the price of their goods eventually.

Hmm... okay but wait, it gets worse, he blatantly disregarded racial sensitivities by saying that unless "the Malays change, the Chinese will look for opportunities to oppress them."

ismail

A screen shot of statement by Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on Facebook calling on the Malays to boycott Chinese traders - Source: Facebook

Now, why did a Cabinet minister -- who was once in charge of the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs -- opt to use racial slurs to explain something as simple as unscrupulous traders and ineffective ministries?

Is there even a need for that?

The minister could have instead proposed strategic moves such as implementing proper policing, close supervision, taking decisive actions or imposing hefty fines on traders who continue to sell above government-fixed prices.

Or, as the last straw, revoke the licenses of those who continue flouting the law, irrespective of who they are.

Simple as that. So, was it necessary to bring race into this? Absolutely NO!

Ismail must realise that the power to boycott does not lie with just anyone.

Do spare some thoughts on those who live in rural areas, where there isn’t much choice of shops or traders to choose from.

The government ministries are there for a purpose and if the rules are adhered to strictly without fear or favour, we will not have this situation. The government should be able to dictate and traders must follow suit.

The various Acts including the Control of Supplies Act, Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act or Competition Act are in place to bring to book unscrupulous traders.

There are many ways to skin the cat, so stop taking the easiest way out.

In a country like Malaysia especially at a time where racial lines are strained, Ismail’s statement is most regretful.