Following criticism against the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) lack of answers on the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), other ministries also involved in the negotiations have been rapped for their silence on details of the multilateral trade pact.

The Coalition to Act Against TPPA Malaysia complained that the voice of the ministries involved have been “significantly missing” with stakeholders being denied information on the trade deal.

NONE In a statement, the coalition said all members of the cabinet should engage with civil society groups and stakeholders as the TPPA covers a wide range of issues including agriculture, labour pharmaceuticals, trade, finance and intellectual property rights.

Miti it said  is the coordinating ministry for the TPPA.

“However, during negotiations the voice of other ministries have been significantly missing amidst the public debates and discussions in Malaysia over the TPPA.

“Only some ministries have held briefing exercises with civil organisations on the TPPA, but many others are noticeably absent from the discourse.”

NONE This led the coalition to question if the ministries concerned were fearful of engaging the public on the issues being negotiated.

Citing agriculture, which affects some 300,000 farmers nationwide, as an example, the coalition remarked that the Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Ministry have yet to invite or approach any civil society groups to consult on or discuss the matter.

The TPPA negotiations have drawn large criticism partly due to the secret nature of negotiation between the 12-member countries involved, including Malaysia, with many expressing concern the deal, that is expected to be signed by year-end, will affect the livelihood of local businesses.

'Halt all negotiations'

TPPA protest Sabah arrest Following the government’s conduct of secrecy, the coalition further urged the government to halt to all negotiations until all Malaysia's proposals and position on all the chapters being negotiated are presented to the rakyat and Parliament.

It noted that there are 29 chapters in the TPPA, and Miti has revealed that it concluded negotiations to 14 of them, however, its contents remain a mystery.

The coalition claimed that in some of the other TPPA countries – where there are also shortcomings in terms of transparency – it has been suggested that upon conclusion of the negotiations, the  agreement is not signed until it is disclosed and publicly debated for a determined period of time.

In some countries, they are urging that a referendum process be put in place to determine the extent of support for the TPPA.

The coalition, in its statement, proposed these be done in Malaysia.

“While we are aware that trade and other international treaties and agreements are constitutionally the jurisdiction of the Cabinet to ratify, this is not a treaty that is confined to the traditional trade issues, but will impact broadly and deeply on many aspects of life,” it said.