http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/155979

Memo Against FTAs Handed Over at PM's Office

The Coalition against Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) today handed a memorandum to the Prime Minister's Department, urging for a delay on discussions to liberalise trade with US,the EU, and other nations.

A small group of 35 supporters from Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM), Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram), Jaringan Rakyat Tertindas (Jerit), Malaysia Youth and Students Democratic Movement (Dema) and The Positive Malaysian Treatment Access & Advocacy Group (MTAAG), made their way to the Prime Minister's Department at 11.40am to hand over the memorandum to Azrul Apendi Abdullah, the private secretary to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

The coalition's co-ordinator A Sivarajan, stressed that all discussions should be delayed immediately and that government should make a comprehensive cost-benefit assessment between Malaysia, the US and EU.

"The government must study all aspects of the FTAs. See how it will impact the business sectors, work opportunities, access to cheaper medications and all ," he said, adding that minutes of negotiations and discussions between US and EU, must be announced to the people of Malaysia.

Sivarajan also pointed out that, with the FTA, the US and the EU will demand greater rights for their investment.

"We also urge all the people of Malaysia, individuals and organisations, to fax their letters to the PM's office, as well as voice out their opinions on Twitter, and Facebook," he added.

Malaysia is involved in talks in the Trans-Pacific Partnership FTA (TPP) which began in New Zealand last December. The other countries participating are the US, Australia, Brunei, Singapore, Vietnam, Chile and Peru.

Also talks on the Malaysia-EU FTA began its first round of negotiations in Brussels last October.

Apart from handing over the memorandum and protesting online, the coalition will also lead a nationwide leaflet campaign in Penang, Perak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Pahang and Kelantan tomorrow.