Speaking to FMT, he used rice as an example. He acknowledged that the price of rice might come down with its increased importation, but said this meant that local farmers would no longer be able to produce it because of the competition.

In the end, he added, the nation would have to depend on imports for its food.

“This is why PAS is against the agreement,” he said.

“The country will be exposed to the risk of unfair competition from huge corporations, specifically those from the US.”

His statement appeared to contradict International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed’s claim yesterday that opposition lawmakers were already accepting the government’s decision to sign the TPPA.

Tuan Ibrahim also said, without elaborating, that the TPPA would expose Malaysia to American interference in its internal affairs. According to him, what has happened to Iraq, Libya, Syria and Afghanistan might also happen to Malaysia.