International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed said the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) is the first free trade agreement to recognise Malaysia's bumiputera agenda.

He said the government will continue to ensure the bumiputera agenda and rights of state governments is not impacted if the TPPA is signed.

"The bumiputera agenda has been recognised by our friends in the TPPA negotiations. Contracts reserved for bumiputeras will continue," he added.

He said this at a session to clarify the TPPA, organised by the Kapten Hussein Leadership Academy in Kelana Jaya today.

Also present was Umno Youth chief and academy chairperson Khairy Jamaluddin, who is also Youth and Sports Minister.

Mustapa also stressed that bumiputeras are capable of competing at the international level.

"Mention oil and gas, and Petronas comes to mind. This company is a bumiputera company. Let us not downplay our abilities," he said

The event was attended by about 100, including students and professionals.

- Bernama