[Ip-health] Malaysia - Attorney-General Defends Generic Medicines Befo re UN Rights Body

Mon Feb 5 11:34:11 2007

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Geneva, 5 February 2007 -- Malaysia’s Attorney-General Tan Sri ABDUL GANI
has publicly stated his country’s stand "that generic drugs should not be
restricted in any manner," as generics are cheaper than patented medicines.

He made this statement before the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child
(CRC), whose session concluded in Geneva last week.   He was speaking in
response to pointed questions from the Committee’s Chair, Jacob E. Doek, who
asked Malaysian governmental representatives how they can ensure that trade
agreements do not affect provision of generic medicines, particularly for
the treatment of HIV/AIDS.

ABDUL GANI specified that bilateral "Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are
TRIPS-plus" and that Malaysia has not yet agreed to any bilateral trade
agreement with the U.S.  Implying that a U.S.-Malaysia FTA could result in
more expensive drugs, Attorney-General ABDUL GANI said that Malaysia is not
going to negotiate on this issue, and added “we are providing the drugs for
free.”

This discussion took place during the CRC's periodic review of the status of
children’s rights in Malaysia.  The CRC had before it a note from
non-governmental sources that described the adverse impacts on children’s
rights of the FTA Malaysia is currently negotiating with the U.S.

For more information about the CRC and its role in ensuring trade rules do
not undermine human rights, see the attached Information Note or contact 3D
at info@3dthree.org

Best wishes,

The 3D Team

3D --> Trade - Human Rights - Equitable Economy

15, rue des Savoises

1205 Genève

Suisse

T +4122 320 21 21

F +4122 320 69 48

info@3dthree.org

www.3dthree.org

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