KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 17 — Putrajaya assured federal lawmakers today that they will have access to the cost-benefit analysis of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) before the government decides if it will sign on with the controversial trade partnership.

Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed told Parliament that the cost-benefit analysis is being done in two stages, the current interim phase and a second part to be conducted after the conclusion of negotiations over the free trade agreement involving a dozen nations.

“The government will make a decision after getting feedback from the public and members of Parliament,” Mustapa said.

“The two main issues raised are secrecy and sovereignty. We know these are important. That’s why we’re very careful and we take into account these views, which give important input to our negotiators,” the minister added.

Recent partial leaks of the TPPA released by whistleblower group WikiLeaks have heightened concerns that signing on with the deal would be detrimental to the country’s sovereignty and citizens.

Opposition lawmakers and lobby groups have criticised the secrecy surrounding the US-led TPPA and raised concerns that the free trade agreement may make Malaysia’s national interests subservient to giant American corporations. 

Among others, civil society groups have also alleged that the TPPA may make medicines unaffordable for the average Malaysian.

The TPPA is a free-trade agreement that has been negotiated by the US, Malaysia and nine other nations as part of the larger Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership since 2010.