When Malaysia was accused of shifting goal posts in its water negotiations with its neighbour Singapore, I thought it was not true.

But after seeing how it tries to manipulate the new car prices by introducing excise duties, I believe there is truth in the accusations by our neighbour. When we signed the Asean Free Trade Agreement, I wonder if our dear ministers knew what we are in for.

When the time came to implement Afta in 2003, we asked for an extension on the excuse that we were badly hit by the 1997 financial crisis. I believe Thailand and Indonesia were hit even worse than us. Yet, like real gentlemen, they did not ask for a reprieve for the auto industry.

Please stop any further free trade agreement negotiations with other countries if we are not really ready to implement them fully. Do not make us laughing stocks.