SHAH ALAM, 8 Oct: The Selangor State Economic Advisor’s Office Chief Executive, Dr Fahmi Ngah, said that the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) discussions will be used as best possible by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, to prolong his political life.
He said that the opportunity will also be used fully by the United States to improve their position as Malaysia’s trading partner, especially since there is an absence of full details of the agreement to the public, which makes it difficult to discuss it properly, and the lingering impact if now more towards speculation.
“The Prime Minister will fully use the agreement to prolong hi political life. What is certain is if we look at Malaysia’s trading partners, Singapore is number one, second is China and United States is the fifth.
“When it (agreement) is signed, the partnership value between Malaysia and the United States will increase. The probability of the trade partnership value with other countries will decrease.
“The situation will boost the United State’s position in the rankings was Malaysia’s trader partner,” he told Selangor Kini.
Fahmi is of the opinion that the matter is clear because until now, there is no example of a country that has been prosperous as a result of the agreement, which will undoubtedly have a positive and negative effect among ally countries.
“For example, Malaysia has the unique dodol. If it can penetrate the international market, we do not need the TPPA because if they (US) wants to buy, they will buy,” he said.
He said that the agreement will also not provide any guarantee that the ringgit will remain strong after it is signed.
Earlier, the International Trade and Industry Minister, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, who is representing Malaysia in the TPPA negotiations, said that the details of the agreement will be brought to Parliament to be presented for approval by all.
He said that the conclusions of the latest talks agreed to consider all concerns and sensitivities brought up by the people of this country.
It involves the areas of government procurement, state-owned enterprises and the Bumiputera issue with Malaysia being given the flexibility for a longer transition period and different treatment involving sensitive areas of the country.
Apart from Malaysia and the United States, the TPPA negotiations involve 10 other countries, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.
NS
