The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) is concerned about potential adverse effects on healthcare and the environment of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA).

We have met the health minister, international trade and industry minister and the Pharmacy Division regarding our concerns. However, due to the veil of secrecy surrounding the negotiations, we remain uneasy about the potential outcome.

We have therefore sent a memorandum to the prime minister, health minister and international trade and industry minister. In the memorandum, we urge the government to say ‘No’ to the following issues:

1. Extension of patent period.

2. Extension of data exclusivity period.

3. Ever greening.

4. Patent linkage for drug registration.

5. Investor-State Dispute Settlement mechanism.

We also urge the government to maintain our commitment to carving out tobacco control measures from the TPPA.

Tobacco is one of the biggest reversible contributors to ill-health, and the sale and advertising of tobacco products needs to be controlled.

The MMA urges the government not to sign any agreement which fails to safeguard legitimate national goals of and environment protection.

DR ASHOK ZACHARIAH PHILIP is president of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA).