SHAH ALAM, 16 Oct: The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) implementation in Malaysia is like a ‘python swallowing a snake’, said the Bukit Gantang MP, Idris Ahmad.
He said that the agreement to do so only provides advantages involving contracts offered by the government to international giants compared to local companies.
“Today, when we see government tenders being opened, priority is given to local companies, but when the TPPA is signed, the government has to open it up to all companies, including foreign giants.
“When faced with open competition, certainly local companies can compete with large companies less,” said the PAS Vice President.
According to Idris, once the TPPA is signed, it will bind the government from giving any privileges to local companies, including Bumiputera companies.
He added that the federal government and any state government will face the risk of being sued if there is a violation of the agreement, as happened in some countries who have earlier signed the TPPA.
“Most local companies, especially those engaged in e-commerce, are also unable to match the size of the capital by international companies, which would negatively affect investors in the country,” he said.
NS
