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?
A FTA would allow the eight key industries to avoid paying an estimated RM714.6
million in import duty, Husni told Parliament during question time today.</p>
<p>“Malaysia will have a better competitive edge compared to countries who
don’t have a FTA with the US,” said Husni in reply to a written question
by Lim Kit Siang (DAP – Ipoh Timur).
<p>He said the agreement also seeks US cooperation in financing and lending expertise
in areas of upgrading customs procedure, intellectual property rights enforcement
and e-commerce.</p>
<p>The agreement also aims to make Malaysia an attractive investment destination
for US companies in a bid to inject foreign capital and technology into the
country.</p>
<p>Husni added that the Cabinet would have the final say on the FTA and that it
has been regularly updated on the matter.</p>
<p><b>Lim’s request shot down</b></p>
<p>“Malaysia would ensure that nation’s interest would be preserved
in the FTA through allocations that allow flexibility for the government to
implement policies and methods to achieve development and (improve) socio-economic
(status),” said Husni.</p>
<p>Unsatisfied, Lim called on for a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to monitor
the on-going trade talks, which was shot down by Husni.</p>
<p>“We have the country’s stake-holders sitting in every trade talk
with the Americans. Bank Negara and the Securities Commission have been involved,
so are industry leaders,” said Husni.</p>
<p>Thus far, Malaysian and US negotiators have convened twice since July to discuss
the FTA and three more meetings are scheduled over the next four months.</p>
<p>In 2005, the US was Malaysia’s largest trading partner, accounting for
16.6 percent of Malaysia’s global trade and is US 10th largest trading
partner.
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