Ex-deputy law ministers back DAP rep, say pig farming proposal not defying sultan's decree
Published: Apr 24, 2026 9:51 AM
Updated: 1:45 PM
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.
While questioning Perikatan Nasional's criticism of Wong (above), Amanah leader Hanipa Maidin said the DAP lawmaker's suggestion did not disrespect Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah's decree against any further pig farming in the state.
"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.
Calling for elected representatives to differentiate between defiance and problem-solving, the former Sepang MP said the respect for a royal decree should not prevent lawmakers from debating practical alternatives and improvements.
Amanah leader Hanipa Maidin
Yesterday, PN representatives attempted to raise an emergency motion to refer Wong for disciplinary proceedings over her proposal.
The day before, 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 is welcome to leave the state.
During her debate on the royal address, Wong had said that the issue of pig farming touches on equality rights under Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution, further arguing that pig farming should be treated the same as other livestock, as it poses similar pollution, hygiene, and health risks.
She proposed that the government and investors consider the adoption of a modern, closed-house pig farming system in Selangor, incorporating zero-discharge processes and biogas recycling technologies.
‘Poor understanding’
Echoing Hanipa's view, DAP national legal bureau chairperson Ramkarpal Singh said condemnation of Wong reflects "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 in a statement yesterday.
Yesterday, PN representatives attempted to raise an emergency motion to refer Wong for disciplinary proceedings over her proposal.
The day before, 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 is welcome to leave the state.
During her debate on the royal address, Wong had said that the issue of pig farming touches on equality rights under Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution, further arguing that pig farming should be treated the same as other livestock, as it poses similar pollution, hygiene, and health risks.
She proposed that the government and investors consider the adoption of a modern, closed-house pig farming system in Selangor, incorporating zero-discharge processes and biogas recycling technologies.
‘Poor understanding’
Echoing Hanipa's view, DAP national legal bureau chairperson Ramkarpal Singh said condemnation of Wong reflects "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 in a statement yesterday.
DAP national legal bureau chairperson Ramkarpal Singh
He stressed that the issue was one of public interest, and that Wong's suggestion, which offered "constructive alternative solutions", should not have been dismissed out of hand.
On Feb 10, the Selangor sultan said he does not consent to pig farming in the state due to pollution and limited land resources, and suggested instead that pork be imported to meet demand.
READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | The battle over Selangor's pig farms
The decree followed backlash against the state government's proposed centralised pig farming project in Bukit Tagar, with protests from residents in nearby areas.
In January, His Highness firmly opposed the renewal of licences for pig farms in Tanjung Sepat, Kuala Langat, challenging assemblypersons to live next to the pig farms themselves to experience the issues firsthand.
‘Policy should be based on data, not emotions’
In a separate statement today, Selangor MCA chairperson Lawrence Low urged all parties to explore Wong’s suggestion rationally and to avoid politicising the issue.
Low, who is also MCA vice-president, pointed out that Wong’s proposal touched on practical issues such as agricultural modernisation, environmental management, and food security.
On Feb 10, the Selangor sultan said he does not consent to pig farming in the state due to pollution and limited land resources, and suggested instead that pork be imported to meet demand.
READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | The battle over Selangor's pig farms
The decree followed backlash against the state government's proposed centralised pig farming project in Bukit Tagar, with protests from residents in nearby areas.
In January, His Highness firmly opposed the renewal of licences for pig farms in Tanjung Sepat, Kuala Langat, challenging assemblypersons to live next to the pig farms themselves to experience the issues firsthand.
‘Policy should be based on data, not emotions’
In a separate statement today, Selangor MCA chairperson Lawrence Low urged all parties to explore Wong’s suggestion rationally and to avoid politicising the issue.
Low, who is also MCA vice-president, pointed out that Wong’s proposal touched on practical issues such as agricultural modernisation, environmental management, and food security.
Selangor MCA chairperson Lawrence Low
“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.
Similarly, former DAP central executive committee member Ronnie Liu urged the Selangor government to address mounting concerns over the state’s pig farming policy, warning that the issue can 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 the federal level with the prime minister and cabinet.
“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.
Similarly, former DAP central executive committee member Ronnie Liu urged the Selangor government to address mounting concerns over the state’s pig farming policy, warning that the issue can 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 the federal level with the prime minister and cabinet.
Former DAP central executive committee member Ronnie Liu
He said the issue goes beyond politics, as it affects 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 stressed that if a lawful industry is being phased out due to policy changes, the government must ensure transparency and fairness, including explaining the legal basis, whether due process was followed, and outlining compensation and transition plans.
“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 stressed that if a lawful industry is being phased out due to policy changes, the government must ensure transparency and fairness, including explaining the legal basis, whether due process was followed, and outlining compensation and transition plans.
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