Campaigners Submit 85,000 Signatures for Referendum on Malaysia Trade Deal
An alliance campaigning against rainforest deforestation submitted 85,000 signatures to the Federal Chancellery in Bern on Monday 5 October, demanding a popular referendum on the free trade agreement between Switzerland and Malaysia. The tally exceeds the threshold required under Swiss law for an optional referendum.
The campaigners fear the agreement would encourage expanded palm oil production in Malaysia and accelerate tropical deforestation, and say the deal's safeguards — including on forced labour — are insufficient. Palm oil is one of Malaysia's most important agricultural exports and one of the world's most environmentally contested commodities; Switzerland imports substantial volumes for its food and consumer goods industries.
Under Switzerland's system of direct democracy, an international treaty approved by parliament must be put to a nationwide vote if enough signatures are gathered within the legal deadline. Should the referendum formally qualify, the Federal Council will set a voting date.
Supporters of the agreement stress that it contains sustainability provisions and improves Swiss companies' access to Southeast Asian markets. The deal's fate will ultimately rest with Swiss voters.
Sources: Keystone-SDA/swissinfo.ch and The Local reporting.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 马来西亚沙巴州的油棕种植园，CEphoto, Uwe Aranas 摄，CC BY-SA 3.0（Wikimedia Commons）
