"Selema babi" = tactics of fear?

Information,Communication and culture Minister,Datuk Rais Yatim advised the media to use the name "selema babi" (swine flu) instead of A(H1N1) influenza. He explained that it is because he worried that the RTM news readers may find difficulty in reading A(H1N1) influenza accurately hence conveying the wrong message to the public. Since when it is misleading to use the right name and since when it is accurate to use a misleading name? I wonder based on what study and statistics Datuk Rais concludes that the news readers are more proficient in saying babi than saying A(H1N1)? As a minister he has the power and responsibility to send any staff in his ministry to go for retraining if he thinks that his performance is questionable, not by insulting them in the public. He further added that,by simply saying the word "babi" it will instill fears in the public and they will be more careful. What kind of logic is that? Is pig so fearful in the eyes of the Malaysians? Why must he involve the poor animal in the first place? What will happen if the public is made to believe that A(H1N1) influenza is connected to pigs, everybody will stop eating pork (poor pork hawkers!) then feel very safe and hence do not take the proper precautions laid down by the health authority? Chaos will reign man!