Anwar calls for comprehensive, impartial CBA on TPPA

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has suggested that the government conduct a comprehensive and impartial cost-benefit analysis on the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) before its conclusion.

Taking into account major fears and concerns among the public, he urged Malaysian negotiators during the remaining rounds of the TPPA to "defend our rights and privileges, no matter how difficult and sensitive the issues."

He said there was no valid reason why Malaysia should rush to signing the TPPA.

"The results of the CBA must be extensively communicated to the public, and TPPA's key points made available to all stakeholders, especially members of parliament, so that the final agreement is duly ratified by our respective legislature," he told a press conference at PKR headquarters here today.

Asked whether US President Barack Obama's visit in October would pressure Malaysia to sign the TPPA, Anwar said: "We welcome Obamas visit but will not allow it to be used as leverage and a form of pressure to conclude the TPPA."

Malaysia is currently negotiating the TPPA with the United States and nine other countries to open up the business and economic opportunities in the Asia-Pacific and change the way trade and investments are regulated in the region.

The other TPPA partners are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.