Mat Sabu faces pressure over rice issues, calls to resign

Mat Sabu faces pressure over rice issues, calls to resign





AGRICULTURE and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu is under mounting pressure as critics question his handling of Malaysia’s rice supply challenges.


Former deputy law minister Mohamed Hanipa Maidin recently called for Mohamad’s resignation if the “Rakyat Benci Rasuah” rally was not permitted, reigniting scrutiny over his performance.


“If the prime minister orders me to…” said Mohamad, who goes by the moniker Mat Sabu, when asked by the media on calls for him to quit as minister.


Adding to the pressure, Bukit Gantang MP Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Faisal, who heads NACCOL’s Food Cluster, has criticised the ministry’s lack of progress on rice issues. In response, the minister said: “We cannot simply announce things without thorough research.”

Syed has urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to transfer responsibility for rice affairs to NACCOL, claiming he could resolve the issues within three months.

Mohamad, who plans to meet the prime minister next month, has said he will leave his position at Anwar’s discretion. With critics questioning his effectiveness, his ability to address the rice supply concerns is under close watch. — Jan 25, 2025