The government is pressuring the makers of Timah whiskey to change the name of its product just as its licence is due for renewal, claimed Seputeh MP Teresa Kok.

She said while Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi had told the public that manufacturer Winepak Sdn Bhd has agreed to change the name; in actuality, it was unwillingly acquiescing to government demands.

According to her, the government wants the name changed from Timah (meaning tin in the Malay language) to Bijih Timah (tin ore).

“I was made to understand that they are not willing to change the name,” she told Malaysiakini today when contacted for details about her speech in Parliament earlier.

She viewed the name change as...