Two examples serve to illustrate both the politics at play and the potential damage to Malaysia's economic and human security if the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US goes ahead.

The all-encompassing nature of the FTA rules can be especially seen in relation to agriculture and intellectual property rights as they apply to medicines.

They impact equally on 'traditional' sectors of the economy sustaining rural livelihoods and the modern, knowledge-driven industries that are said to hold the key to future well-being and competitiveness.