The much heralded but confidential Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) may lead to a new form of neocolonialism and result in Malaysia being a slave of the United States, warned Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia professor Mohammad Agus Yusoff.

Commenting on the matter in his Facebook page, the political scientist said former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad also had reservations about the TPPA.

NONE "We cannot reject that this is a new form of neocolonialism, a new form of imperialism which everyone should be against. Believe me when I say TPPA would result in Malaysia being a slave to the Americans," he added.

Mahathir had warned that the TPPA would bind Malaysia and described the deal as lopsided.

Agus ( right ) said the TPPA would lead to the monopoly of medication and result in higher medicine cost, which would affect the poor.

"Do we want to see the people rely on traditional medicine?" he asked.

Can Malaysia compete with America's might?

Commenting on International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed's statement at a forum over the weekend that Malaysia would probably "delay signing the TPPA" if it affects the sovereignty of the country, Agus said the minister should have responded "Malaysia would not sign it if it brings negative implications" instead.

Agus said while he accepted the benefits gained through the TPPA, he questioned whether Malaysia could compete with America's might.

"Can we compete with the superpower? Is Malaysia's economy strong like Japan, Singapore, Taiwan or Korea. Can we compete openly with all these superpowers," he asked.

He also questioned why the TPPA documents were shrouded in secrecy as this concerns the country and the people should know its content.

"MPs should also be able to debate on the TPPA's benefits and negative implications as this affects the people and the country's sovereignty," he said.

Agus said before taking further action, the government must think of the welfare of the poor so they would not feel the ill-affects of the increase in the of cost of living as a result of the TPPA.

PSM warns of large-scale demo if TPPA signed