EU resolution on palm oil debated at Youth parliament
The Star Online (08/02/2018) - KUALA LUMPUR: The European Union (EU) resolution to phase out palm oil exports from the EU biofuel programme by 2020 was among the topics debated at the Youth Parliament sitting, with several representatives describing it as discrimination and politically-motivated.
Nur Atikah Natasha Zoo from Terengganu, when debating the motion on the matter, said the resolution was baseless and a discrimination against Malaysia’s key commodity.
She said the move would also affect over 650,000 smallholders and 3.2 million people who rely on the palm oil industry in the country.
“The resolution has a major impact on Malaysia, not only economically, but also on the income of smallholders who depend on the exports. What’s going to happen to them?” she said at the first sitting of the Youth Parliament for 2017-2018 term yesterday.
The motion was proposed by the Community Development and Health Committee.
Echoing her sentiment was S. Selvakumaran from Kedah, who opined that Malaysia’s move to join several palm oil-producing countries, including Indonesia, in voicing out protests against the resolution was apt.
The winding-up of the debate is scheduled for 5pm today by Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin. — Bernama