Fletcher Tabuteau
Trade Spokesperson

No Excuses, Bring Unsigned TPPA Home for Scrutiny as Malaysia Will

Malaysia will not finalise and sign the TPPA without thorough scrutiny by its Parliament – but the National Government is denying New Zealanders this opportunity, says New Zealand First.

“New Zealand First is calling on the government to bring an unsigned TTPA home so it can be considered by the public and Parliament just as Malaysia says it will do,” says Spokesperson on Trade Fletcher Tabuteau.

“While the Malaysian Trade Minister said the decision to sign or reject the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement would be a collective Malaysian decision, New Zealand Trade Minister Tim Groser arrogantly said Kiwis with concerns were acting like ‘breathless children’.

“Mr Groser and the government are condemning us to a treaty that appears to have little trade benefit and lots of potentially harmful clauses. Even the heads of New Zealand’s primary industries are in panic mode as the clock ticks without major dents being made for more access into overseas markets.

“Malaysia is wisely looking after its nation’s interests and its people’s welfare.

“It is standing up for itself.

“We must put New Zealand first as the Malaysians are doing.

“As the Malaysian Trade Minister said today, he is taking responsibility to ensure that the country’s constitution, sovereignty and core policies of the nation are safeguarded and upheld.”

ENDS

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