The Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim) refers to the planned visit by American President Barack H Obama beginning Nov 20, 2015.

Abim views this visit as diplomatically strategic as Malaysia is hosting as Asean chair and in the midst of intense interest on the issue of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA).

Abim, through active participation with the affiliation of NGOs protesting the TPPA, sees clear disparity and unfairness in the contents of the TPPA which should be strongly expressed by the government to President Obama.

Ever since the contents of the TPPA have been made public, feedback received indicate overwhelming concern at the implications of the agreement voiced out by people in various capacities and sectors of society. Indeed, these concerns are genuine and valid.

Malaysia is a sovereign and independent nation. Malaysia ought to stand tall as equals with others including the United States. Malaysia should not be humbled in its stance towards the TPPA and in matters concerning international issues. Thus, Abim reiterates its stand and urges the Right Honourable Prime Minister, Najib Abdul Razak, and the government of Malaysia not to sign the TPPA, for the sake of the country and its future generations.

Abim has filed for a judicial review on the TPPA and the case is to be heard at Jalan Duta High Court on Nov 19, 2015, at 9am.

Abim as an affiliate of the Save Al Quds International Campaign also urges the right honourable prime minister to express resolutely the people’s demand that the United States stops all forms of support politically, militarily or economically to Israel which has become incessantly and exceedingly aggressive in invading the Holy Site of Masjid al Aqsa.

This petition is a show of solidarity of the country, the nation and the people of the Asean region (as Asean chair) with the struggle and aspirations of the Palestinians who are ceaselessly being oppressed by the mendacious state of Israel.

MOHAMAD RAIMI AB RAHIM is president, Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim).