Ask the representatives of the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) why they think the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) is generating such a storm of negative reaction, and they will seem a little puzzled themselves.

It has really taken on a life of its own in the past few weeks, acknowledges Miti secretary-general Rebecca Sta Maria, leading an interview between key Miti representatives and KiniBiz earlier in the week.

Sta Maria ( right ) highlighted that Malaysia has negotiated and signed a host of bilateral and plurilateral free trade agreements (FTA), which have never garnered so much attention.

However, she also acknowledged the fact that the TPPA covers a lot more ground than previous FTAs and this is probably part of the problem.

“We have never done such a comprehensive one before. Usually FTAs cover trade, investment and services - all market access issues.

"The TPPA, however, includes labour, the environment, government procurement and competition policy... so perhaps that is what is different,” said Sta Maria.

'Perhaps not good enough'

Therefore, Miti accepts that perhaps they have not done a good enough job of explaining the concept and positions that Miti and the government are taking with the TPPA or the rationale behind pursuing such an agreement.

Nevertheless, they are keen to point out that saying that Miti has done nothing to engage the community is also not fair.

Sta Maria notes that Miti has had sessions with health NGOs to discuss potential issues arising from intellectual property rights affecting the cost of healthcare.

Furthermore, talks have been held with the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) over human rights concerns, and the Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) over fears that labour rights might be violated and people may lose jobs.

It is understood that Miti has also engaged Pemudah - the government-private sector facilitating group - to address transparency issues, which is seen as an important aspect.

Go to KiniBiz for more .