Malaysia To Discuss With TPP Member States On Next Course Of Action - Minister

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will discuss with other Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) member states on their next course of action following Donald Trump's stunning victory in the US presidential election. International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed said however, it was too early to make any analysis and Trump's victory should not cause panic among people and entrepreneurs in the country. "If initial reaction was anything to go by, Trump's victory was seen to have impacted confidence in the world economy and globalisation as he is resonating an anti-globalisation fervour. "But it's all perception during his campaign. If we were to make an analysis merely based on the campaign, of course, we might be wrong because some leaders expressed different stand during the campaign in order to win votes," he told reporters at Parliament lobby Wednesday. Mustapa believed there would not be much changes to the trade and diplomatic relations between Malaysia and the US as both countries had benefitted a lot from the open system. "It has become a tradition, and for them to make a radical change by switching to a closed system, I think the Americans know it is a step backward. "Certainly, there will be a change in policy, but in my opinion there will not be any radical change. That's why I think no need for us to rush into things. It is not 100 per cent certain that his statements will be translated into policies," he added. Health Minister Dr S.Subramaniam said the Americans had made their choice and it should be respected. "However, we need to give attention to the TPP as Trump had said he would not be pursuing it. "We'll have to wait and see because this matter will likely bring changes to economic cooperation," he said. Subramaniam hoped Trump would played his role in bringing about security and peace to the world besides assisting other countries in terms of development. Republican's Trump clinched victory over Democrat's Hillary Clinton Wednesday after long, bitter and divisive election campaign. -- BERNAMA