Dr Wee: India should reconsider decision on M'sian palm oil imports

PETALING JAYA: India should reconsider its decision to advise its palm oil importers to shun importing Malaysian palm oil as the country's political situation has changed, says MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (pic).

"I would like to take this opportunity to send a message to the Indian government.

"The situation has changed within our country. India should reconsider its decision," he said in a Facebook post on Sunday (March 1).

He said free and fair trade should once again prevail for the mutual benefit of both countries.

"If there is any issue or misunderstanding remaining between our countries, let's discuss openly," he added.

It was reported that Indian palm oil importers were privately told by their government to stop buying Malaysian palm oil following a political row between the two countries when then prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, in December last year, spoke out against India's then recently-approved citizenship legislation, which appeared discriminatory towards Muslims.

India's new citizenship law made it easier for persecuted minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to get citizenship - but not if they are Muslims.

Dr Mahahthir had also spoken out against India's actions in the Kashmir region.

On Jan 7, it was reported by Reuters that India informally asked palm oil refiners and traders to avoid buying Malaysian palm oil, according to government and industry sources.

Before the row, India was the largest importer of Malaysian palm oil.