MPs Arriving In Taiwan On A Low Key

TAIPEI: The BN backbenchers arrived in Taoyuan airport near Taipei on a low key, and refused to reveal too much to Sin Chew Daily correspondent.

An unidentified person in Taiwan pointed out that the trip would last six days, and the Malaysian delegation would visit Shangrila Leisure Farm in Yilan county Tuesday.

The delegation will then travel by high speed train to the southern port city of Kaohsiung Wednesday, and make a visit tio Pingtung Technological University. All these are agricultural programmes. However, some of the itineraries "are secret and cannot be revealed."

Shangrila Leisure Farm is located on the foothill of Dayuan Shan in Yilan county. According to the farm's website, it is approximately 250 metres above sea level, and with an average year-round temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, it makes a perfect classroom to learn about nature, with rare animals such as macaques, tree frogs, fireflies, butterflies and a rich variety of plants.

The delegation was welcomed by representatives from Taiwan's foreign ministry as well as the manager of Malaysian Friendship & Trade Centre in Taipei.

However, most of the MPs refused to be interviewed or photographed.

When approached by Sin Chew Daily correspondent in Taiwan, MP for Gelang Patah Tan Ah Heng said it was a study trip on agriculture.

When asked why the trip has been so secretive, special assistant to Barisan Nasioanl Backbenchers Club chairman Liu Nanping told Sin Chew Daily, "One thing is the China factor."

When pursued further by the reporter, he said, "You know it. But I can't tell."

"Does it have anything to do with Anwar?"

Still the same answer: "You know it. But I can't tell."

When contacted by Sin Chew Daily, Malaysian Friendship & Trade Centre manager said he was only responsible for the trade exchanges between Taiwan and Malaysia, and laid his hands off politics. (/Translated by DOMINIC LOH/Sin Chew Daily)