Malaysian Lawmakers to Learn Snake Hunting

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - The head of a Malaysian state government has ordered his coalition's legislators to learn how to catch snakes so that they can help people in distress, a newspaper reported Tuesday.

This is not the first time Syed Razak Syed Zain, the chief minister of Kedah state, has issued down-to-earth orders. He has made it mandatory for the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition lawmakers to learn paramedic skills, to perfect land and water rescue techniques, eat healthy food and to stay fit.

"Elected representatives must pass the acid test of being able to help people in distress, including knowing how to catch snakes, perform first aid and carry out rescue missions," Syed Razak was quoted as saying by the Star newspaper.

It said he has made it mandatory for the Barisan assemblymen to join the Civil Defense Force, to acquire such skills.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050628/ap_on_fe_st/malaysia_snake_catchers;_ylt=Auqh90s00.Lf_fRm._.DeBUsQE4F;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl