Selangor Journal

Failure to debate Trump’s win proof that Parliament is not up to par

BY: ERMIZI MUHAMAD
SHAH ALAM, NOV 17: The rejection of the motion to debate Donald Trump’s victory in the US Presidential Elections proves that Malaysia is not serious about discussing its impact on trade relations and security issues related to the country.
Bukit Katil Member of Parliament Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin said “Malaysia is also seen as ill prepared to face all possibilities from changes in the White House following Trump’s win.
“Trump’s win may cause global economic slowdown and a drop in Asian currencies.
“This is due to Trump’s policies of bringing back foreign investments into the United States to concentrate on domestic investments.
shamsul-iskandar-mohd-akin
“Malaysia as a free trade nation will definitely be affected by Trump’s stand.
“Therefore, it is prudent for the Dewan Rakyat to study contingencies to reduce the impact of the new United States’ administration on our nation’s economy,” he said in a statement.
The motion was filed by the KEADILAN Vice President last Friday, and was rejected by the House Speaker on the basis that it was too early for the government to make an evaluation on Trump’s policies.
The motion was made under the Meeting Order 18 (1) to discuss the impact of Trump’s win on Malaysia in matters of economy, foreign policy and regional security.
Elaborating further, Shamsul said that the Parliament should prepare to determine the direction of its foreign policy implementation as to remain unaffected by the world’s superpowers.
tppa-trumpHe said this included the regional cooperation between Malaysia and China as well as the TTPA agreement signed last year that will stunt Malaysia’s economic power.
“Although I welcome Trump’s stand to cancel the TTPA, it seems that Malaysia is now leaning towards cooperation with China.
“This will result in territorial disputes including Malaysia’s claim in the Spratly Islands,” he said.
He urged that the Parliament have a clear direction so as not to bow to the whims of any world superpower.
“The Parliament’s refusal to debate the issue shows that we are still lagging behind in achieving a first-class Parliament,” he said.

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