M'SIA TO LEAVE RICE OUT OF FTA LIST IN NEGOTIATION WITH US

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 (Bernama) -- The Agriculture and Agro-based Industry
Ministry has assured that it would stick to its decision not to liberalise the
markets for paddy and rice in negotiating the free trade agreement (FTA) with
the United States.

Its minister, Mustapa Mohamad, said Malaysia was steadfast in its decision
as paddy was a strategic crop and it also wanted to protect local farmers'
interests.

"We will not allow an open market for padi and rice as desired by the
US. We are firm in this matter and have explained our stand to the US," he said
when winding up the debate on the 2009 Supply Bill in the Lower House of
Parliament Thursday.

The issue was raised by Dr Michael Jeyakumar who wanted to know the
government's stand on the matter for fear that padi farmers in the
country would experience a similar fate like the corn farmers in Mexico
had.

The US had wanted Malaysia to open up its food and agriculture import,
including for paddy and rice, which are not listed in the FTA negotiation list
with any country, to independent markets.
-- BERNAMA