It is almost certain that TPPA will collapse as US is retreating. Also without TPPA, DAP will find it even more difficult to promote their ideology in the current state as it is conflicting with the reality of the larger Malaysian.
The growing concern of possibility that TPPA will collapse posts risk beyond just trades and economic activities. It may also becoming a threat for political endeavour of certain squatters.
In the midst of establishing and negotiation of TPPA, most of Malaysian societal members raised their worry on how much this global trade pacts will negatively impact our locals. Members ranged from trade societies, NGOs, political parties alike have expressed their disagreement. Even profound academia like Prof Jomo Sundram subscribed to this disagreement. Forums, rallies and memorandum were arranged as a tool to push for TPPA initiative to stop.
In the slit of the above, strangely DAP is in line with the government in supporting TPPA. For once, DAP that is known for its “Malaysian Malaysia” struggle and in all occasions hummed the government, turned to be in agreeing with the government on TPPA.
This is making sense as the existence of TPPA will facilitate DAP's agenda of “Malaysian Malaysia”. It will happen because both TPPA and “Malaysian Malaysia” are working for a full equality. In TPPA, the concept of fair and equitable treatment is one of the main element that have to be abide by all members of the pact. The phrase of fair and equitable treatment was repeated many times in many Articles of the agreement such as in Article 2.3, 6.4, 6.7, 8.7, 9.4, 9.5, 10.3 and so forth.
In fulfilling these, Bumiputra's rights, the position of Islam as the Federal religion and promoting local interest will be marginalised and will be found illegal under TPPA, which leads to penalisation if committed by any member. To the extreme, certain parts of constitution have to be emended to align to TPPA, and progress of this amendment has to be reported.
Hence, that is why DAP supports TPPA as it will provide a conducive infrastructure for DAP to pursue its agenda. What DAP is aiming for will closer to be established if TPPA becomes a reality.
With the latest development post US election, DAP's political equation has now changed and curtailed. It is almost certain that TPPA will collapse as US is retreating. Also without TPPA, DAP will find it even more difficult to promote their ideology in the current state as it is conflicting with the reality of the larger Malaysian.
MAZLI NOOR
Deputy President Jaringan Siswazah Malaysia (JASA)
12 December 2016
Bandar Baru Bangi.
