VIVAnews - Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Muhammad focused attention on the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA).
Mahathir, during a session on democracy and people's welfare in Makassar, Indonesia, said that since the deal has been approved, the ASEAN countries should prepare to make anticipations.
A special formula should be outlined in order to deal with the free trade agreement. "A way out should be readied such as by cementing the inter-ASEAN countries partnership in an effort to make possible stronger block," said Mahathir.
The ASEAN block, said Mahathir, should aim at enabling better competition in trading. Mahathir said that less competition will in the end hamper the ASEAN countries in implementing the CAFTA policy.
Mahathir explained China will flood the ASEAN market with cheaper and better products. "China indeed is posing the major threat," he said.
ASEAN today, said Mahathir, is in need of a notable figure such as Soeharto. "ASEAN [in the 1980s] were a giant. That's what the forum needs today," he said.
--
Coverage by: Rahmat Zeena | Makassar
Translated by: Bonardo Maulana Wahono
Diisukan Jadi Orang Ketiga, Salshabilla Adriani Ngaku Udah Ngobrol Sama Syifa Hadju-Rizky Nazar
Menyadari posisinya kini tengah menjadi sorotan, Salshabilla Adriani memberikan klarifikasi yang menyatakan bahwa ia tidak menyangka tiba-tiba terseret gosip miring.
