KOTA BARU, Aug 6 — The government will seriously consider all input by various stakeholders related to the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) before making any decision.
International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed (picture) said what was important in respect of the decision is that national interest would definitely be given priority, with the rights of the people not being compromised.
“The concern is whether the TPPA will help the country or affect its interests. This is the basis for deciding on our action,” he told reporters.
He was speaking after attending a breaking-of-fast ceremony with heads of departments and non-governmental organisations here last night.
“To date, there has been no one decision finalised on the TPPA as there are many issues that need to be concluded. If it impacts national interest, there is no reason to agree,” he added.
Mustapa also expressed his happiness over the participation of 1,000 representatives of various special interest groups at the open forum on the TPPA last Thursday.
He added that the government had received a lot of valuable feedback from the session.
“I received much input on the challenges related to national sovereignty, the prices of medicine and on the government-linked companies, in respect of the TPPA negotiations,” he said.
The TPPA, a free trade initiative, involves the United States, Australia, Brunei, Malaysia, Canada, Chile, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam and Japan. — Bernama
