Parliament Malaysia debate
on TPPA
Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) is expected to
get more that 2/3 majority approval by the Malaysian parliament. The expected
yes votes are expected to be coming from the ruling coalition Barisan Nasional
(BN) Members of Parliament (MP) as it would be mutinous for any of them to
reject something proposed by themselves while opposition party Democratic
Action Party (DAP) MP would also most likely to give a nod as it would be
hypocrite of them to reject a parliamentary bill that’s aligned to their
meritocracy ideology. With 132 votes by BN and 37 votes from DAP, making the
total yes votes 169/222 which is more than 2/3 majority enough for a veto.
It is speculated that opposition leading party Parti
Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) would oppose the bill for the sake of politicking by
targeting potential price hike of certain specific products while ignoring the
goods that may become cheaper with the free trade agreement (FTA).
Meanwhile, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man gave a
clear public statement that PAS wished for a referendum regarding TPPA to be
initiated prior to parliamentary debate. Tuan Ibrahim stated that there are
far-reaching consequences of TPPA and it should not solely be decided by only
BN MP.
In Malaysia Critiques opinion, does objection from PKR and
PAS have any effect since it is already estimated to get 2/3 majority votes
unless for reason of self-interest some of BN MP committed mutiny.
International Trade
and Industry Ministry's (Miti) deputy secretary-general J Jayasiri stating that
TPPA signage as a show of commitment on
Malaysia readiness for high standards in trade and investments
Malaysia's decision to be part of the Trans-Pacific Trade
Agreement (TPPA) is evident that the country is ready to adhere to high
standards in trade and investment treaties. It is considered a show of
confidence and commitment that Malaysia has been and always been a trade and
investment friendly country. International Trade and Industry Ministry's (Miti)
deputy secretary-general J Jayasiri assured the investors both locally and
foreign on Malaysia’s absolute commitment on being an investment friendly
territory which welcomes all.
Jayasiri explained that Malaysia was originally part of the
European Union's (EU) Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP), which allows
developing country's exporters to pay less on their exports to the region.
However, Malaysia is no longer a part of GSP and is now willing to show more
commitment of seriousness towards free trading by participating on a high
standard agreement like TPPA.
At the same time, Malaysia is renegotiation with the EU on
reappointment Malaysia into GSP as many industry recess by EU removing Malaysia
from the list. Jayasiri also stated that joining the TPPA would be a leaping
stone towards convincing the EU on Malaysia’s readiness to raise its standards
on par with the international level.
Sarawak Chief
Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem confirmed Sarawak state government’s support for Trans-Pacific
Partnership Agreement (TPPA).
Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem stated that in
the current globalization of the modern world, every country becomes reliance
to another and could not be isolated anymore. Adenan agreed on TPPA after a
briefing by International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa
Mohamed on the issue for himself, the Sarawak cabinet and state assemblymen at
Wisma Bapa Malaysia. Also present were Deputy International Trade and Industry
Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan, State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Amar
Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar and State Secretary Tan Sri Mohamad Morshidi Abdul
Ghani.
“I quite agree with Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed
(International Trade and Industry Minister) on the TPPA.” “In an open society
that opens up markets and to have that edge in competitiveness to our economy,
we don't have any choice and I think this (TPPA) is the best and good choice,
with more pros than cons,” said the minister.
Adenan also said: “TPPA is a treaty between countries and
under our constitution, the implementation of the treaty gives the federal
government the right to ensure uniform growth.” “And of course with regard to
NCR (native customary rights) land, we will see whether it is relevant or not,
but I don't think the TPPA will affect the price of NCR land” “In the history
of Malaysia from the very beginning, we have always been a trading nation until
now. In conclusion, we support the TPPA,”
International Trade
and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed is convinced on the government’s
decision on TPPA has won the mandate of the people.
International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa
Mohamed is convinced the government is already winning the fight in convincing
rakyat to accept the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) as it will
bring more benefits in the long run.
"I see increased acceptance of the TPPA among those who
opposed it earlier, including those from the opposition political parties,
following the series of townhall meetings held lately," he said after the
TPPA briefing session and #TambahPendapatan forum.
Mustapa stresses out the benefits of TPPA where his
department identified that the agreement is estimated to boost the country’s exports
revenue by more than 100% which is from US$107 billion to US$211 billion. "Based
on reports on cost and benefit analysis, we can expect increased investment of
between US$136 to US$239 billion with new job opportunities of 1.2 million”
state the minister.
He also alerted NGO’s whom are planning on protesting
against TPPA at Dataran Merdeka on Jan 23 to "read the agreement and
relevant documents available at the Ministry's website" for exact
clarification of the agreement. It is concerned that the actual clauses within
the original document varies compared to the negative speculation by these opposers
where it has been misleading the public. He rubbished fears and allegations by certain
quarters that the TPPA would jeopardize Malaysia's sovereignty and the trade
pact would result in selling the country to foreign powers.
Proton signing a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Licence Agreement to build and sell
Suzuki models in preparedness for TPPA
Proton Holdings Bhd are preparing itself to take on TPPA with full of confidence by introducing an ungraded engine family to take on competitors. Proton sees this as a great opportunity to capitalize on as Malaysia's strategic positioning in terms of market access by being an overlapping member of both TPPA and ASEAN Free Trade Agreement(AFTA).
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Licence Agreement to
build and sell Suzuki was recently signed between Proton Holdings Bhd, Suzuki
Motor Corporation and DRB-Hicom. The collaboration will allow Proton access to
Suzuki’s models, platforms, powertrain and automotive technology, while the
Japanese carmaker will provide specific technical assistance for the selected
products and scope.
Proton would also rebadge the Suzuki Celerio as a new model
called Proton Aria as an entry into A-segment 1.0 liter against Perodua Viva.
This move is used as a safety net in preparing for TPPA by entering into a
segment with minimal competition from other TPP countries.
Proton also announced that it is currently collaborating in
developing a new family of engines as replacement for the aging CamPro series
with Ricardo and Lotus. The new family of engines would come in 6 variance of 1.0
litre three-cylinder VVT, 1.2 litre three-cylinder VVT, 1.3 litre four-cylinder
GDI, 1.5 litre four-cylinder GDI, 1.3 litre four-cylinder TGDI (turbo), and 1.5
litre four-cylinder TGDI (turbo). The chassis which will get upgraded with the
new engine is still undisclosed and the anticipated price is currently unknown.
It is speculated that the 1.5 litre four-cylinder TGDI
(turbo) would offer a massive 180hp and 250nm torque an impressive power output out of a 1.5 litre engine.
It is also advised for the time being to avoid buying CBU cars as TPPA would abolish import taxes causing prices of CBU cars to plunge by at least half. Better to but local cars pre-TPPA unless you want to face margin calls by your financier as soon as TPPA is enforced.
Furthermore, Proton could gain a wider
competitive edge by moving Lotus production to Malaysia as a more strategic
location. Why Malaysia Critique criticize Malaysia as a more strategic location
for production of Lotus cars for locals to enjoy cheaper sports cars and due to
its wide export coverage and market access where not only it covers the new TPPA it also covers
duty free trades with AFTA.
Overall what does the readers think of
TPPA? Is it good or bad leave your comments below? Hope we could all enjoy
cheaper cars with the abolishment of NAP.
