Presidents of large corporations may enjoy substantial rewards in cash and kind, but Malaysian scientists should learn to be satisfied with recognition for their work.

Scientists should not expect "private jets or yachts", said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, but instead undertake research that could win them prestigious awards such as the Nobel Prize

Mahathir said this when asked about the government's efforts to lure back Malaysian scientists to ensure the success of 'BioValley Malaysia' - a vision to turn the country into the biotechnology research and development hub in Asia.

Earlier, he had opened BioMalaysia 2002 International Biotechnology Symposium, Exhibition and Business Partnering at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

Ethics watch

Mahathir said he is aware that there are Malaysian researchers who are focused on their work, and who are not too concerned about money.

"Obviously, those who do research want good returns, but the best reward is the result itself, and probably recognition," he told a media conference after the event.

On ethics in research, Mahathir hinted that an enforcement committee may be set up to ensure that scientists adhere to ethics, especially in dealing with genetically modified (GM) organisms.

The premier said the committee would monitor researchers to ensure that their work does not cause harm to the people or the environment.

"(For instance), they have to study whether the genetically modified food will do harm or not, or whether there is any basis for it (to say that the GM food is harmful)," he said.

Mahathir said that, although access to GM food could prevent problems such as famine, it was unfortunate that critics prefer old and more expensive methods that deny food to millions of starving people.

On foreign pharmaceutical companies that want to hold intellectual property rights and set high prices for their products, he said Malaysia would find ways to ensure that its resources are not exploited in this manner.

"Our resources must be researched here and cannot be taken out of the country," Mahathir said.

In view of this, it would be important to sign agreements with participating companies to ensure that the rights of both sides are protected.

World class facilities

In his speech, Mahathir said the government - in accordance to the Eighth Malaysia Plan (2001-2005) - is committed to biotechnology development.

To realise this, the government will provide world class facilities and infrastructure to enable scientists to make use of Malaysia's rich bio-diversity.

Bio Valley Malaysia — located in the country's Multimedia Super Corridor — is expected to create about 17,000 jobs and 250 new companies. It is also predicted to attract investments worth around RM64.4 billion.

Meanwhile, over the weekend, a group of local non-governmental organisations led by Pesticides Action Network organised an international conference to discuss the threat of genetic modification in agriculture.

The three-day conference, which ended yesterday, brought together top scientists and farmers from a dozen countries.

The participants concluded that the new approach in agriculture through genetically engineered crops poses a threat to human health and the environment.