Malaysia set to lead in tropical biodiversity : The National Biodiversity Policy will transform Malaysia into a world centre of excellence in conservation, research and utilisation of tropical biodiversity by the year 2000. It will serve as a guideline for government agencies to ensure that rapid development in the country is done in a sustainable manner, with a balance between development and the environment. Science, Technology and Environment Minister Datuk Law Hieng Ding said the policy would provide the direction in carrying out strategies, plans or programmes to be implemented concerning biodiversity. ar 2000.