Update, 8 Sept. 2008: “A total of 49 Barisan Nasional members of parliament are to take part in an eight-day agricultural study tour to Taiwan beginning today.” – reported Malaysiakini.
The Star online reported here today that “Barisan Nasional MPs have been asked to submit their passports for an overseas study trip ahead of Sept 16, the date that is being bandied about for supposed defections to take place.”
The antics of BN have never failed to amuse me. If this is not another of its denials, then what is? What is the administration afraid of? But let’s read the reason for the trip …
“The trip came about after a few of our members got talking. We wanted MPs to update themselves with the latest information about agriculture and high-tech food production so that we can debate better on the Budget when Parliament sits again in October.”
But I don’t remember much emphasis was given to this sector in the 2009 Budget other than subsidies for fertilizers. Does one really need a “study trip” to know what fertilizers to give subsidies to? I would say this is another one of those spins generated by Badawi’s administration and another great attempt at wasting the rakyat’s (tax payers) money!
Furthermore, my source tells me the so-called study trip is apparently to New Zealand. Where there are far more sheep than human beings.
If this trip is not another clever plot to “hijack” BN MPs from crossing over to Pakatan Rakyat before 16 September, then the whole affair must smell very “sheepish” indeed – and it stinks!