The Ministry of International Trade and Industry would like to refer to an article entitled “Exclude Tobacco From TPPA” written by Mr. T.S. Ramasamy in The Star dated 15 August 2013.  In the article, Mr. T.S. Ramasamy urged the Government to exclude tobacco from TPPA.

The Ministry of International Trade and Industry wish to inform that the Government is considering the request. Media statement already been circulate to all media.

Ministry of International Trade and Industry
15 August 2013

 

MEDIA STATEMENT ON TPPA


A special Cabinet Meeting was convened today as part of the ongoing process to update and seek fresh mandate from Cabinet on the TPPA.


All lead negotiators from various ministries presented their respective progress of negotiations and challenges ahead. The Prime Minister and Cabinet directed negotiators to continue ensuring that Malaysia’s sovereignty is defended in the course of the TPPA negotiations. They are unanimous in reinforcing Malaysia’s position that we will only agree to the TPPA with terms that are most favourable to our country.


The Cabinet has also agreed to two more Cost Benefit Analyses (CBAs). It will focus on interests of Small Medium Enterprises and the Bumiputra business community as well as a comprehensive analysis on national interests. These two CBAs will provide added inputs to our negotiators.


On the issue of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Cabinet is unanimous that Malaysia will not agree to any proposal that will deny access to affordable medicines and healthcare. Cabinet is firm in ensuring access to affordable medicine remains its utmost priority which will not be compromised in the ongoing TPPA negotiations. Cabinet also took note of the request to exclude tobacco and tobacco products from the TPPA.


As a number of major issues – including SOEs, labour and IPR - remain unresolved, Cabinet is of the view that Malaysia should not be bound by any fixed timeline with regard to the TPPA.
MITI has informed Cabinet that engagement with all stakeholders will be intensified prior to concluding the TPPA negotiations. MITI is currently discussing with various stakeholders on the format and framework of further engagement. The Cabinet is also very supportive of more transparency in the negotiation process.

Ministry of International Trade and Industry
15 August 2013