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Gov't can handle negative perception of TPPA, says minister

The government is capable of managing the various negative perception of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) created by certain quarters.

International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed said the government was always mindful of the challenges to be faced if something is implemented in the national interest.

"We have done many things for the long term interest of the country. For example, the construction of Putrajaya, the Petronas Twin Towers and the Penang Bridge.

"There were many objections in the beginning to all of these, but in the end, the people understood," he added.

He told reporters this when met after a TPPA briefing with more than 800 educationists at the Kelantan Education Department, Bandar Baru Tunjong, Kota Baru, today.

Elaborating further, Mustapa said the debate on the TPPA had long been undertaken by the government with various parties, including representatives from the opposition.

"I have been answering questions on the TPPA for the past five years. The government has also been meeting with the public at 'Town Hall' meetings, open forums and such.

"Rarely in the history of Malaysia have we debated and made such detailed preparations before making a decision on any matter," he added.

Malaysia is among 12 countries, namely Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Singapore, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, the United States and Vietnam, to have finalised negotiations on the TPPA last October.

- Bernama

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