(http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=547178)

Malaysia Pursues FTAs That Promote National Interest, Says Mustapa

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will only pursue Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that promote national interest, Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said Thursday.

Mustapa told reporters this when asked to comment on calls by the Gabungan Rakyat Membantah FTA to stop negotiations on the Malaysia-EU FTA saying, it did not reflect Malaysian aspirations.

"I have been informed that a memorandum is being submitted to the ministry today. We welcome all views and will consider them, as MITI has been consulting with various stakeholders," he said.

MITI, he said, will also meet with those who are submitting the memorandum at the right time.

"The Malaysia-EU FTA is a long way to go. So, I would like to assure Malaysians that they will be consulted first," he added.

Mustapa had earlier officiated the Malaysia International Chinese Business Forum here.