THE response by S.M. Mohamed Idris ("Think again on GMC issues" -- NST, April 23) to my suggestion that genetically-modified crops (GMCs) are a viable solution to the food shortage lacks international scientific support.

He relies on a single report which he should know is not representative of the world scientific community.

As stated in my letter ("It's time to revisit the GMC issue" -- NST April 18), the "public must be given a choice to decide for themselves and consumerism efforts, if any, lies in promoting fair public education and awareness".

I am still of the opinion that GMCs provide a "viable solution" to world hunger and food shortages.

This, coincidentally, will also be my answer to the calls made by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon who is urging the world community to contribute towards combating global hunger.
In respect of Malaysia, both Mohamed Idris and Ban must know that GMC-related initiatives are in conformity with the New National Biotechnology Policy unveiled by the prime minister at the Bio-Malaysia 2005 Conference.

Phase 1 (from 2005 to 2010) focuses on capacity building which will see "the establishment of advisory and implementation councils, education and training of knowledge workers, business development and industry creation in agricultural biotech, healthcare biotech, industrial biotech and bio-informatics".

Hence, there is a need for Malaysians and industrial players to give full commitment to these initiatives which will go a long way towards achieving "self-sustainability" not just in 2020, but beyond that.