COMMENT An array of disparate groups and individuals have emerged in the country to dissuade the government from signing the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA). They include political parties, NGOs, individual academics and various professionals.

They join a number of trade unions, advocacy groups, activists and elected officials from other participating countries who have protested against the treaty, in large part because of the secrecy of negotiations, its all-compassing scope, and various controversial clauses contained in early drafts.

However, does this diversity of national and international opposition signify that our government has made the wrong decision in joining 11 other Pacific Rim countries in this landmark agreement?