A coalition of NGOs will hold a demonstration at KLCC on Oct 11, the day US President Barack Obama visits Kuala Lumpur, to protest against Malaysia's participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA).

 

Spokesperson for the group, Badrul Hisham Shaharin, told a press conference today that the rally would take place at KLCC and would be preceded by 14 ceramah events throughout the country to rally for support.

 

He said that BN and Pakatan Rakyat leaders would be invited to speak at these ceramah events, alongside the coalition's leaders.

 

The final ceramah is scheduled for Oct 10 at Kelab Sultan Sulaiman, Kuala Lumpur, where former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim will be invited to speak.

 

"I believe they have strong feelings (about this and want to) defend this country despite their political differences. The public wants to know whether they want to protect their ego or come forward to defend the country's economy," said Badrul Hisham.

 

Obama to visit KLCC

 

The Obama administration in 2009 initiated efforts to secure the TPPA with 13 countries to boost trade. However, negotiations on the terms have been clandestinely carried out, with little public consultation.

 

Some leaked documents suggest that the TPPA would penetrate the protectionist policies of lesser developed countries and expose governments to suits by mega corporations.

 

Badrul Hisham said that although Putrajaya had promised that the TPPA won't be ratified during Obama's visit, the coalition opposing the TPPA believes that Malaysia would be a signatory in due time, and thus the people should state their opposition to it now.

 

Obama will be attending the two-day Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2013, which will take place at KLCC.

 

The coalition, which calls itself Bantah, comprises Solidarity Anak Muda Malaysia (SAMM), Malay Economic Action Council (Mtem) and Solidariti Mahasiswa Malaysia (SAMM).

Related stories

Race irrelevant in TPPA talks, says Mustapa

Gov't to study TPPA impact on SMEs

Price hike unavoidable, say Malay contractors