After the 8 Mar elections, politics have become the talk of town. Political movements pop up one after another. But a more serious matter; the looming global food crisis has been ignored. So far, the people seemed to focus only on the crisis surrounding the position of the Prime Minister. However, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has warned that the soaring food prices and food shortage crisis triggered by international crude oil prices have gradually become serious. It will shake the people's confidence and it is an unprecedented crisis for the government.

Regardless of what his intention is, but it is undeniable that the current domestic political situation is volatile. Commodity prices are increasing and inflation is worsening. The stock market and property industry is withering. The situation is critical.

In fact, a global food crisis is almost imminent. Following last year's wheat, corn, soybean global prices have been soaring, the grain prices began to jump up since March. Food shortages have triggered protests and riots in 37 countries. Many Filipinos took to the streets. Under this environment of food shortages, how can Malaysia not give any thought to it?

Democracy is of course a good thing. However, if the politicians are always indulging in politics of survival, then democracy has no meaning for ordinary people.

Fortunately, the current food crisis has not yet triggered a panic. However, the crisis seems to be out of control. We cannot be too optimistic.

After all, foodstuff is all-important to the people. At this point, we need a truthful and practical government. The government should take practical and effective measures, as well as to lead us through this crisis. Better to do well than to say all’s well. They cannot always ask the people to tighten their belt and reduce consumption and not having any policy initiatives.

Some commentators have suggested that “the market is not without food, but people cannot afford to buy food”. The food crisis is ,therefore, man-made: “rich countries use unreasonable 'international rules' to shift their economic crisis to poor countries”. It is the fact, but we have no choice. We must face the reality and try to win this war food.

It must be stressed that even food crisis is terrible, but foolish thinking is even more terrifying. A financial policy error is enough to wear down a government. This is definitely not an alarming story. Therefore, how to resolve the food shortage crisis is a major test on the government's credibility and leadership ability. It cannot be taken lightly! (By LIM MUN FAH/ Translated by LEE MEI NYEE/ Sin Chew Daily)