PM: First stage of NEM out on March 30

Eddy said: Let's wait and see.




By MAZWIN NIK ANIS
mazwin@thestar.com.my

PUTRAJAYA: The first stage of the highly-anticipated New Economic Model (NEM) will be unveiled on March 30, quashing speculation that there is a delay in its launch.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said announcements on the matter would be made in two stages, with the second stage to be revealed during the tabling of the 10th Malaysia Plan.

“We want to engage all stakeholders,” he told reporters after meeting with members of the Special Taskforce to Facilitate Business (Pemudah) yesterday.

Asked on concerns raised by certain quarters over the NEM, particularly over bumiputra issues, Najib declined to comment, saying that it was too early for him to elaborate on the matter.

“I don’t want to jump the gun. I don’t want to address the New Economic Model. Otherwise I will be speaking prematurely and letting the cat out of the bag,” he said.

The Malay Consultative Council recently expressed its concern and urged the Government to ensure the proposed NEM was within the framework of Article 153 of the Constitution in preserving the rights of the Malays and natives of Sabah and Sarawak.

On another matter, the Prime

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Minister said the Cabinet had given the green light to the International Trade and Industry Ministry to study the possibility of Malaysia entering the US-initiated Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), adding that the ministry had embarked on a deep and comprehensive study to look into the matter.

“The Cabinet will make its decision if the study by MITI shows that (TPP) benefits Malaysia,” he said.

Najib said the United States had informed the Government that it had put plans for a Free Trade Agreement on the backburner, adding that the current administration was more keen to work on multilateral trade initiatives.

The current TPP members are Singapore, Chile, New Zealand, and Brunei. The members are also part of the much larger 21-member economies under Apec.

Najib said the Government would not take too much time to decide whether it would want to be part of TPP, adding that he might be able to give some indication on the matter to US President Barack Obama if “a bilateral meeting is on the cards” when he visits the US next month.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to attend the World Nuclear Conference to be held in Washington on April 12 and 13.

Asked if this was an indication that he would be going to the White House, the Prime Minister declined to confirm, adding that 45 leaders were expected to attend and “if there is one (bilateral meeting), it will be held in the margin.”