Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) will not affect National interests.

● Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Despite the rumours on the subject, Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) told the "Dewan Rakyat" that the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) and Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) will not threaten the sovereignty and national interests. Its minister, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said the TPPA will not compromise the government's right to regulate or taking necessary steps to protect the country's sovereignty.

Photo Credit: Industriall-union.org
According to Datuk Seri Mustapha Mohamed he said that there were no provisions in the TPPA investment chapter. ISDS were also not included which can prevent the government from using, and maintain or should it be used to enforce the domestic policy for national interests safeguarding.


 He went on saying that members of parliament also raised their concerns about what the TPPA agreement can bring about on small and medium industries (SMIs) in Malaysia. It was a concern that stems from the local companies which mostly are comprised of SMEs.

"On the SMI, TPPA has adopted and ensure its interests are taken into account in all areas of the negotiations," he said in a question and answer session in the Dewan Rakyat previously.

 Furthermore, he also answered questions from Charles Anthony R. Santiago (DAP-Klang) on various question regarding the subject.

Mustapa said the TPPA is also the first free trade agreement in the world that gives focus and attention to SMEs by establishing a specific chapter on SMEs.

 The implementation of ISDS was also said to have been signed by 74 investment protection agreements containing provisions similar to ISDS. Which he went on stating that this enabled Malaysia to attract more foreign investor to invest in the country.

 It is also clarified that Malaysia are not forced to join the agreement, as Malaysia will be entering into vital negotiations to put forward our terms and conditions. Where if found not to go accordingly, Malaysia is free to back out from signing the agreement.

Moreover, Malaysia has also stated that it will not sign the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), if it results in price of medical supplies to soar.



Any slowdown in the medical supplies entry would also be objected by Malaysia where it is unanimously taken a firm stand for.

Our country's policy makers thoroughly understand that a dubious agreement which only benefit one side can jeopardize our country's sovereignty and interest.
The debates in parliament previously regarding the subject are a main platform in analysing on the agreement feasibility, as well as it's pro and cons. 
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