TPPA would get 2/3 majority in Parliament, unless there's mutiny or hipocracy

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.