ID :
395229
Thu, 01/28/2016 - 04:42
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https://oananews.org//node/395229
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Minister Feels Relieved Motion On Malaysia's Participation In TPPA Approved
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 28 (Bernama) -- As the minister responsible in tabling the motion for Malaysia's participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), Mustapa Mohamed finally breathed a sigh of relief after it was approved in the Dewan Rakyat (Malaysian Parliament) Wednesday.
"This was the biggest challenge I have faced in my career as a minister, I have never been involved in something so complicated.
"This is because the TPPA had raised a lot of concerns, some of them unfounded and I get many views and criticisms from various parties," said the International Trade and Industry Minister during a press conference at the Parliament lobby here.
The TPPA motion was passed following block voting which saw 127 Members of Parlament voting in favour and 84 against it, after 24 MPs spoke during the debate in the special parliament sitting.
"I have been in the government for a long time, but this (challenge) is the most difficult for me. Alhamdulillah (God willing), with the support of all, the Prime Minister (Najib Razak, Deputy Prime Minister (Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi), cabinet members, colleagues in MITI and the 17 agencies involved, this is not a one-man show, this is teamwork," he said.
According to Mustapa, the next step was to table the matter in the Dewan Negara (Senate) to be debated and if it was agreed, he would be going to Auckland, New Zealand to sign the TPPA on February 4.
"I know many are still worried over the TPPA because they are afraid they will be ridiculed. Our job is not over, this is just the beginning and there are still a lot to be done," he said.
He said among the worst allegations regarding the agreement was Malaysia would be dictated by the United States, and the national economy dominated by large companies.
"We have also been accused of trying to sell off the country and I have clarified on that in my speech. We are doing our best for the Malaysian people," he said.
This was also a milestone because never before had a treaty been tabled in Parliament to be debated by MPs and the debate over two days was a lengthy period.
The formation of the TPPA caucus committee was also a wise move because it allowed the explanation to be made in a prudent and orderly way.
Mustapa said he would together with Ahmad Hamzah, who is the chairman of the Parliamentary Caucus Committee, and Nurul Izzah Anwar, Lembah Pantai MP and also a caucus member, formulate the next course of action including discussing on ways to ensure that the country would really benefit from the agreement.
Amendments to the Acts for ministries involved are expected to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat (Parliament) in March next year.
-- BERNAMA