Public forum: TPPA and Economic Liberalisation - Is it good or bad for Malaysia?

School of Politics, History and International Relations, Malaysia Campus with Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) invite you to attend a public forum on The TransPacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) and economic liberalisation.

The Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), a mega-free trade that involves twelve countries (Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, United States, Vietnam and Japan) has stirred controversy in Malaysia ever since formal negotiations began.

The TPPA aims to liberalise trade in nearly all goods and services sectors and include rules-based commitments beyond those currently established by the World Trade Organisation (WTO). It could serve as a template for a future trade pact for other countries.

Should Malaysia sign the TPPA? Would the benefits outweigh the cost? How would local business be affected? Will they be able to compete with competitors from other countries? Will the TPPA make Malaysia’s government more transparent and accountable in handling public money? Why do we need TPPA, given that we have signed so many trade agreements? Why don’t we just liberalise our economy unilaterally?

Join us on Saturday (28 March 2015 at 10:00) to find out the answers to these questions and more! Please note that the guest speakers are diametrically opposed in their perspectives. Dr Razeen Sally has predominantly positive views on the agreement whereas YB Charles Santiago has been very critical of it. The dialogue will follow the Doha style format, where members of the audience will play an active role in determining the outcome by casting votes at the end. 

Note that this event is open to the public, and that seats are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.