The Malaysian Insight

THE Kedah government’s decision to ban all four-digit (4D) outlets in the state may have legal ramifications if Malaysia ratifies the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), former menteri besar Mukhriz Mahathir said today.

“If the federal government ratifies the CPTPP, the market will become more liberal,” he said during a Zoom press conference.

“Anyone can come in (Malaysia) and compete in certain sectors, which are not part of non-informing measures.

“If the state government wants to stop all permits for gambling and liquor with licence, there is a chance this goes against the CPTPP and open it up to legal ramifications,” he said.

Over the weekend, the PAS-led Kedah government announced that it will ban all 4D outlets in an effort to curb gambling. 

Kedah Menteri Besar Sanusi Md Nor said the state will not renew the business licences for these outlets, which were issued by local authorities.

While the state issues the business license for the outlets, the gambling license is issued by the Ministry of Finance.

Mukhriz, the MP for Jerlun, said it was ironic that the state government has taken issue with gambling outlets but it is in support of the CPTPP.

“It’s ironic that the state government wants to take this measure, while it is not opposed to the government – through the Ministry of International Trade and Industry – signing this agreement that will foil their attempt.”

The CPTPP will grant preferential treatment to its members, including Malaysia.

However, to date, only seven countries – Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore and Vietnam – have ratified the CPTPP, which covers virtually all aspects of trade, including e-commerce, state-owned enterprises and additional disciplines on intellectual property rights, as well as technical barriers to trade. – November 17, 2021.