Malaysia is one of Asia's biggest employers of foreign labour. But recently, cases of deaths, abuse and forced labour have come to light. What is going on? Who is protecting these migrant workers?
"This is negotiation ethics. The US is also not announcing the details to its people. There is no need to reveal to the public the details of something we have not agreed upon," she said during an interview with RTM Tuesday night.
<P>She also called on her colleagues from the other
ministries to explain more clearly to the public on the FTA so that there would
be no misconception that the FTA negotiations belonged "exclusively"
to Rafidah Aziz.</P><P>On comments that Malaysia was negotiating with a superpower
also described as a "bully" by some, Rafidah said that that was the
perception of those with an inferiority complex.</P><P>"Such a mindset should
be removed. We are a small nation but we are independent and credible. We are
small but we are the biggest export market for the US in the region," she
said.</P><P>The US’ export to Malaysia is also bigger than its combined exports
to India, Indonesia and Russia, she said.</P><P>"The negotiations are being
carried out professionally. It is a two-way negotiation where not only the US
is making the requests but so are we."</P><P>Malaysia is seeking market access
as well as tariff cuts and abolishment for 600 of its products, she said.</P><P>Nothing
is also being coerced here, she added.</P><P>To concerns that the FTA may prevent
Malaysia from taking certain measures should there be an economic downturn, she
said: "That is not part of the issue and has no relation to the FTA."</P><P>She
said Bank Negara Malaysia was also taking a very careful stand.</P><P>"We
can take any action during an economic downturn. There is no problem."</P><P>Asked
on what would be the best explanation of the FTA to the people, she said that
if the FTA negotiations were successful, the private sector stood to gain the
most as they were the driving force of the country’s economy.</P><P>"They
are also the biggest contributor to the Gross Domestic Product," she added.
— BERNAMA</P><P><I>Source: http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news_business.php?id=252608</I></P><P>
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