Malaysia urged not to play host to TPPA meeting

Pressure continues to mount on the government's decision to join the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, a US-sponsored initiative which has drawn widespread protests due to its impact on domestic consumers and local laws.

The latest call on the government to withdraw from the pact came from Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organizations (MAPIM), which urged the government to postpone its hosting of an upcoming meeting this month in Kota Kinabalu.

"It will be a great risk if Malaysia continues its participation in the TPPA negotiations because opposition to it is not only in Malaysia but also from civil societies in almost all countries joining the negotiations," said MAPIM president Azmi Abdul Hamid in his statement to Harakahdaily.

He noted strong protests against TPPA in New Zealand, Canada and Australia, adding that several US congress members' had questioned its 'secretive' nature, one of the main concerns of critics.

Azmi pointed out that Thailand and South Korea already expressed reservations about joining the pact due to concerns over domestic industries and US domination of their markets.

"This is due to the opaque nature of the negotiations which is a major concern among many groups," he added.

Azmi also rapped those who defended the pact, saying their claims so far were based on assumptions without any detailed study to show how Malaysia could benefit from its membership in TPPA.

"International Trade and Industry minister Mustapa Mohamed could only state that Malaysia's interest will be protected but would not reveal details of the negotiations to the public," he stressed.

The TPP is aimed at liberalising Asia-Pacific economies, linking the US economy to fast-growing markets which include Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Peru, Mexico, Chile, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei.

- Harakahdaily