A coalition of NGOs opposing the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) has challenged the independence of consultants employed by the federal government to prepare cost-benefit analyses (CBAs) on the free trade deal.

Several think-tanks and government agencies, such as Institute of Strategic and International Studies (Isis) and Unit Peneraju Agenda Bumiputera (Teraju), have been appointed to carry out CBAs on different areas.

In a press statement today, Bantah TPPA said the appointment of Firdaus Rosli, said to be a known proponent of the TPPA, as a consultant by Isis to prepare a CBA on "national interest" brings into question the impartiality of his work.

NONESimilarly, Teraju's appointment of World Trade Institute (WTI) consultants to prepare a CBA on "bumiputera and SMEs" is also questionable because the WTI is a known free trade lobbyist.

Bantah TPPA also questioned the conduct of these consultants thus far, pointing out that the questionnaire Isis issued to selected stakeholders does not follow international standards of quantitative and qualitative research.

"They are in fact too simplistic and unfocused. This is evident from the fact that one of the questions asked is whether the TPPA is 'beneficial or harmful to China's interest'," Bantah TPPA said.

Only one CBA is needed

In view of this, Bantah TPPA urged the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (Miti) to replace all the CBA consultants with independent, credible and experienced consultants with international and national recognition to form a CBA committee.

Such a committee should include stakeholders such as industry representatives, academicians, economists, service providers and Bantah TPPA representatives.

"Ample time should be given for the preparation and approval of the CBAs and they should not be constrained with the fast-track attempts of some parties.

"Bantah TPPA advises Miti that there should only be one CBA; with extension of time line, wider and deeper scope of studies as proposed by Bantah TPPA, and comprise credible committees of experts," says the press release.

The TPPA is an ambitious United States-led effort to seal a free trade deal involving 12 countries - Australia, Brunei, Chile, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States and Vietnam.

Dr Mahathir's snub

The clandestine nature of how 19 rounds of negotiations on the terms of the TPPA were held have been criticised by interest groups. The little details known about the negotiations are the result of leaked documents.

Critics argue that the TPPA will mean dismantling protectionist economic policies of the developing countries and exposing these countries to exploitation by multinational corporations from the developed countries.

NONEMeanwhile, Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia (SAMM) has lashed out at former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad for snubbing Bantah TPPA's invitation to speak at its rally last Thursday.

"We invited him because he was against the TPPA. But how sincere is he? Is he only trying to save his children's businesses from international conglomerates? To answer this question, we gave him a platform to speak. But clearly, he is not as brave as we thought.

"On the other hand, Anwar Ibrahim, who is accused of being a US agent, showed up and spoke about the hidden agenda of the TPPA. Such bravery should be commended," SAMM propaganda chief Edy Noor Reduan (above) said.