The US favours Malaysia's involvement in the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) compared to a free trade agreement (FTA), said its Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

kurt campbell 100310 "The current approach is...(to proceed) with the TPP, and there has been some interest on the part of Malaysia (to be involved as well) and we welcome that," said Kurt W. Campbell ( right ) to reporters at Putrajaya today, before rushing to catch a flight to Laos.

Campbell was in Kuala Lumpur since Mar 9 as part of the US's policy of engagement and dialogue with Southeast Asian countries.

Malaysia has been in talks with the US over FTAs since 2006, but has fallen short of clinching the deal due to issues including government procurement and the global economic crisis.

Outgoing US ambassador John Keith had on Monday urged Malaysia to join the TPP soon, as it will help the country in negotiating deals pertaining to trade volume and market access.

The US will negotiate the TPP deals with Brunei, Australia, Brunei, Chile, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam in Melbourne on Mar 15.

"We recognise the hope of countries in Asia for the US to play a confident and active role in the economic activity of the region as the whole...and we want to be able to fulfill that hope, going forward," he said.

He also announced that US envoys will make several more visits to Malaysia in the upcoming months, raising hopes for greater cooperation between the two nations.

US to keep an eye on Anwar trial

"US-Malaysian relations are on the verge of substantial improvement. We have seen steps in the last several months on (issues including) trade (and) cooperation on counter-terrorism, and both sides acknowledge substantial steps can be taken to improve our relationship," he said.

NONE Campbell, however, played it safe when answering a question about Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim's ongoing sodomy trial.

"What we are looking for is an impartial application of laws inside Malaysia. Malaysia is a country of laws. Obviously, we are watching developments related to this trial very closely," he said.

He was more candid about the US's view on Myanmar opposition leader Aung Saan Suu Kyi ( left ) and the new law barring her from contesting in the upcoming Myanmar polls.

"We've seen the first document (pertaining to the elections) and it is safe to say that what we have seen is disappointing and regrettable.

"We want her to play an active role in the political life of the country going forward," he said.

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