He disputed a government assurance that Bumiputera rights would remain protected if the pact is ratified.

Mukhriz, who is MP for Jerlun, said that leeway given under Annex II of the agreement was restricted to certain provisions regarding investments and services.

“For example, there is no exemption given to the provisions relating to ‘fair and equitable treatment’ or ‘expropriation’. Both can be used to challenge affirmative action policies, including those afforded to Bumiputeras.”

He said the country’s various policies to develop Bumiputeras, such as through government procurement, vendor selection by government-linked companies and ownership regulations, “would be constrained by the CPTPP which has implications for the economy and social harmony in Malaysia”.

He disputed an assurance by international trade and industry minister Azmin Ali that Malaysia reserved the right to maintain assistance measures for Bumiputeras so long as they do not affect existing licence holders.

Mukhriz said that because much of the aid is given through new permits, this would naturally affect the government’s ability to carry out its Bumiputera policies.

Similarly, the 30% Bumiputera equity requirement would also only be allowed in a limited number of selected sectors under the CPTPP.

He called on Azmin to explain in depth the exceptions his ministry had been able to obtain, as currently there are not enough to protect Bumiputera rights.

“The CPTPP will disrupt and stifle Malaysia’s policies on issues like foreign trade, investment, government procurement, GLCs, affirmative action for Bumiputeras, among others. It will cause policymakers and implementers to lose the freedom to make, update and execute non-binding policies, laws and actions,” Mukhriz said.

The CPTPP is a free trade agreement between Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, New Zealand, Singapore and Vietnam.

It has yet to be ratified by Brunei Darussalam, Chile and Malaysia.