The Malaysian Insider | 4 November 2015

Abim, NGOs file suit to stop Putrajaya from signing TPPA

BY V. ANBALAGAN

They also want the government to release the agreement and other related documents to them and the public.

The three are also seeking a declaration that provisions in the TPPA will amount to a breach of fundamental provisions in the Federal Constitution.

The applicants‎ also want a stay order from the court to stop the government from signing the TPPA until the disposal of the merit of the judicial review.

The application was filed today on behalf of the three applicants by Messrs Haniff Khatri at the Kuala Lumpur High Court Registry‎.

Apart from Abim, the other NGOs are Urusetia Menangani Gejala Sosial (Unggas Malaysia) and Persatuan Teras Pendidikan Malaysia.

Also named as respondents to the application are Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and the Ministry of International Trade and Industry.

Lawyer Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdullah, who is representing the app‎licants, said the court has to give leave before the merit of the matter was heard.

"We will extend the court papers to the Attorney-General’s Chambers once the sealed copies are obtained to hear the leave application," Haniff said.

On October 5, 12 countries including Malaysia signed the TPPA in Atlanta, United States.

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mustapha Mohamad was reported to have said that the agreement is expected to be ratified by Parliament in January. – November 4, 2015.