'TPPA is a boon for workforce'

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed (right) giving a briefing about the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) during a townhall session held at KSL Resorts here in Johor Baru on Jan 10. Pic by MOHD FARHAAN SHAH/The Star

JOHOR BARU: The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) will give more rights and better protection to labourers in the country, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said.

He said among the measures are the setting up of more labour unions to give them a better platform to express their views.

“Currently, there are challenges but when the Government allows the setting up of more unions, then some amendments must be done,” he said after a briefing on TPPA to small and medium enterprises held at a resort here yesterday.

Citing an example, he said workers were not allowed to hold a strike but under the TPPA, member countries must give opportunity to workers to channel their views to their employers.

“This matter is being studied by the Human Resources Ministry and obviously, some regulations must be made to aid this change,” he said.

Mustapa said to avoid member countries from accusing Malaysia of ignoring labour rights, the Government felt it was better to give workers such rights.

“An announcement will be made on this when the time is right.

“We intend to implement some changes within two years after signing the TPPA,” he said, adding that a briefing would be held for Barisan Nasional MPs today and in the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara tomorrow.

On another matter, Mustapa said a booklet on the TPPA would also be launched today to give the public a better understanding about it.

“We hope that all MPs will read the booklet before the TPPA is tabled in Parliament on Jan 26,” he said.

Meanwhile, Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club chairman Tan Sri Shahrir Samad said the TPPA was not a new type of method by Western countries to colonise Malaysia.

Shahrir, who is Johor Baru MP, said there were many facts about the TPPA which were distorted by some quarters, leading to confusion and disagreement from the public.

The meeting was also attended by MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, Johor assembly speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Aziz, state executive councillors and assemblymen.