NGA Kor Ming will decide within the next 48 hours if he will take up the position of chairman at the Malaysia Palm Oil Board (MPOB).

Nga, who was appointed Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker, said he will not be drawing a salary if he chooses to take up the position but instead will consider it a service to the nation.

The Teluk Intan MP said Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok had offered him the position and had invited him to a briefing at the ministry, but he said he needed time to decide as it is a heavy responsibility.

“The biggest contributors to Malaysia’s economy are its primary industries, and the four most important among them are oil palm, rubber, cocoa and timber.

“These industries contribute about RM146 billion to our economy, surpassing the electronics industry, tourism and even oil and gas,” Nga said.

He said the oil palm industry is facing huge challenges and the MPOB has a vital role to play. The ministry is also planning to increase oil revenue from RM80 billion to RM100 billion.

Nga said he currently also has to push through parliamentary reforms, but stressed that this will not interfere with his duties at MPOB should he decide to take up the position. – July 17, 2018.