27/07/2011 (Bernama) - Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Tan Sri Bernard Dompok said support for the "Truth in Labelling - Palm Oil Bill" in Australia, is based on a series of clearly false and misleading statements by non-governmental environmental organisations.

He expressed Malaysia's deep disappointment over the actions of Senator Nick Xenophon, the Australian Greens Party and the Liberal/National Coalition, in supporting legislation requiring the labelling of palm oil in food products.

Dompok stated it was highly disappointing that, despite the Australian Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee finding there was no evidence to support the Bill, these parties maintained their support.

This, he added, is also despite the extreme ramifications the legislation will have for the future trade relationship between Australia and Malaysia.

"Despite all the evidence provided, the Australian Parliament is continuing to discriminate against a developing nation for their political purposes," he said in a statement issued from Melbourne, Australia, where he is currently on an official visit.

He urged the Australian Parliament to reject Senator Xenophon and the Australian Greens for their wholly political campaign, taking into account the important role the palm oil industry plays, for hundreds of thousands of Malaysians who rely on it for employment and income.

He also said that he hoped to meet with Senator Xenophon during his visit to Australia on the issue.

"Senator Xenophon should have an opportunity to tell me, directly and simply, how he knows what's best for my nation than my nation itself," he added.

He said the legislation impacts genuine food labelling, a universally accepted scheme designed to improve consumers' health.

"Politics and pandering to the green "feel good" view of the world, along with more than a little condescending and a "we know better" view, shines through in this legislation," he added.

Dompok said the Bill is aimed at furthering the global campaigns of environmental non-government organisations, not protecting the Australian consumer.

"The legislation has not recognised the due contribution of the oil palm industry in Malaysia and the sustainable practices adopted.

"The industry is currently an important pillar in Malaysia's economy and has contributed substantively towards addressing rural poverty and generating employment in the agriculture sector.

"In addition, it has contributed immensely towards meeting global demand for food products, and a source of renewable and environmentally friendly energy," he added.

He said the legislation undermines the spirit of cooperation as neighbours.

"The Australian government should demonstrate its commitment to bilateral relations, including ensuring that legislations are supported by facts and figures," he added.

Dompok said that Malaysia places importance on bilateral trade relations with Australia which was valued in 2010 at US$10.63 billion.