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PETALING JAYA: Fifty members of the Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club (BBC) will leave for Taiwan on an eight-day study trip starting Monday.

Some 50 MPs out of a total of 78 are expected to take part in the programme, which was organised to explore Taiwan’s agricultural and industrial technology.

BBC chairman Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said they decided to go to Taiwan, and not China, as they were short of time.

“Initially, we wanted to go to China but as we did not have enough time to process our visas, we decided on Taiwan instead,” he told The Star’s Malay news portal mStar.

He said the initial plan was to have a 12-day trip, but it was shortened due to the Ramadan.

Deputy BBC chairman Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin said the delegation would depart from the KL International Airport at 11.15am today.

He said their trip was self-funded, while their itinerary would be handled by the Malaysian Friendship and Trade Centre in Taipei.

The trip had been widely speculated by some quarters as a move to thwart Pakatan Rakyat’s efforts to form the Federal Government by Sept 16.

However, this was dismissed by Bung Mokhtar, who said that no Government in Malaysian history had been formed by MPs from the ruling coalition being bought over.

Asked about Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s comments that he would meet with BBC members after they return from Taiwan, Bung said it was typical of Anwar to seek attention.

“It is only empty talk. Anwar likes to cause a commotion. Until now, we have not gone anywhere (switched parties),” he said.

- Nurul Ain Mohd Hussain, The Star

Comments (19)

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written by miwaki, September 08, 2008 09:42:12

Ah Tiong,don't bluff us -lah,China visas application can be done in one day ! The reason you people dore not go to China all because of ahmad -lah.the name China is sensitive after what Ahmad has said about we Chinese in Malaysia.

Which part of China are you going ? Yun Nan,to visit your ancestors place ?

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written by NickChan, September 08, 2008 09:46:26

each person spends at least RM20,000, flying first/business class, 5 star hotels and such.

so that totals to RM1,000,000

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written by RumahPanjai, September 08, 2008 09:52:29

Education trip? Bullshit! How many of them understand the spoken language of Taiwan? Taiwanese don't speak BM. Be honest, just admit its a holiday. BN MPs are the greatest liars since day one.

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written by Ann Meng Sim, September 08, 2008 09:52:58

"He said their trip was self-funded, "

Self-Funded? Go kiss a monkey's A** !

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written by densemy, September 08, 2008 09:58:49

Wow... how much research went into their program if they could so easily change from China to Taiwan

Research Report# 1. After an in depth and exhaustive study of the possibilities of introducing Taiwanese hi tech solutions to the problems plagueing Malaysia's durian farmers. We recommend the following:

1. Select the most expensive resort available
2. Make sure the Concessionaire supplies lady companions on demand
3. When at the pool, always choose the blue towels

Thank you, and awaiting your cheque... Cost for this research RM 236,784

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written by CKLee123, September 08, 2008 10:08:09

Can we have the name and party list of these 50, please?

Are they the type uncle Lim would welcome them to join PR anyway?

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written by capcomangel, September 08, 2008 10:25:13

“Initially, we wanted to go to China but as we did not have enough time to process our visas

on the rush to travel.

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written by Arubin, September 08, 2008 10:48:45

Wait a second...

Wasn't the original stated purpose of the overseas study trip is for BN backbenchers to learn about new methods for agricultural and high-tech food production?

So why Taiwan?

Oh look, your pants are on fire...

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written by cahaya, September 08, 2008 10:53:14

If the trip is to learn about agriculture, why did not send some officers from Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) instead?

Not only would the officers learn the latest technologies being used overseas, they could also share some of MARDI’s technological expertise. Read more about agriculture research on the MARDI website

MARDI is a statutory body and undertakes research and development (R&D) in food and tropical agriculture. Our R&D efforts for over more than two decades have contributed to the development of new crop varieties/clones and animals breeds, and their husbandry practices. Technological headways were made in food processing technologies, and in post-harvest handling of horticultural and livestock produce. New techniques have also been developed to better manage the environment and agricultural resources in particular, the soil, water and genetic resources. Adoption of these findings by the farming community and entrepreneurs have contributed towards the development of the countrys food and agricultural sector. The process is further enhanced by hands-on participation of MARDI’s expertise.This has helped sustain the agricultural sector as a contributor to the national economy, thus development. - - Datuk Dr. Abd Shukor bin Abd. Rahman, Director General, MARDI
http://www.mardi.my/main.php?C...ID=&Page=1

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written by cwy, September 08, 2008 11:34:23

The first site for them tovisit in Taiwan is the PIG FARM!

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written by PASOK, September 08, 2008 11:41:45

You can run but you cannot hide.

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written by Athiru, September 08, 2008 12:00:45

All these blatant lies in the holy month of Ramadan! Shame on you Mr PM. Enough of you and your Islam Hadhari. Does Islam Hadhari teach you to lie and waste the rakyat's hard earned money on such a wasteful trip, and more so during this fasting month? You and your fellow MPs are a DISGRACE to ISLAM and the Nation.

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written by hkh, September 08, 2008 12:03:26

The katak trip should be to China Yunnan to open their eyes or rather brains about the 20 million Chinese Muslims.(which is more than here)

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written by temenggong, September 08, 2008 13:43:38

Does anyone think they can last for 8 days, alone, in a foreign land, without a woman?

Yeah, right. And I am a monk!

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written by aimmsia, September 08, 2008 13:59:19

Malaysian BN government has refused to recognise Taiwan degree for the last 51 years, now what is their purpose to go to Taiwan? the only mission I can see is to learn more "tricks" from Taiwan ex-president "Ah Ban" and his family on how to "corrupt" and "hide" the money.

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written by shamadz72, September 08, 2008 14:37:49

He said their trip was self-funded, while their itinerary would be handled by the Malaysian Friendship and Trade Centre in Taipei.

-----

Yeah right. Bitch!

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written by samesamemam, September 08, 2008 15:04:26

here's a quiz question: how many prostitutes are these 50 Barisan MPs going to **** in their eight-day study trip?

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written by bunian, September 08, 2008 17:28:19

Go kiss a monkey's A** !

-Ann Meng Sim

Aiseh, Ann -- why drag KHairy into this? He going, too?

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