Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak (left) posing with the TPP agreement at the Dewan Rakyat lobby, January 27, 2016. ― Picture by Kamles Kumar

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 27 ― After two days of debates, the motion on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement was approved by the Dewan Rakyat today via bloc voting by MPs from both sides of the political divide.

The motion was approved with 127 backbenchers voting in favour of the controversial trade deal and 84 lawmakers voting against, finally clearing the hurdle for Putrajaya to sign the United States-drafted 12-nation trade pact, the biggest agreement of its kind in both the US and Malaysia’s trade history.

When met by reporters outside the Dewan Rakyat here, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said he felt relieved that the House approved the trade deal, noting that negotiations between Malaysia and other involved nations have been going on for five years.

“This is the most challenging task in my career. This TPP created many misunderstandings.

“There were baseless accusations, but I had sought views from many quarters. This is not a one-man show, but a collective effort,” Mustapa said.

He also gave his assurance that concerns regarding some parts of the TPP will be ironed out.

“The job is far from over and this is just the beginning. There is still more to be done after I get back from New Zealand for the TPP signing on February 4,” he added.

The Dewan Negara is expected to debate the TPP motion tomorrow.

After the TPP’s signing next month, a two-year grace period will commence for ratification.

Malaysia is also expected to make 26 amendments to 17 laws to fit the demands of the trade agreement.

Twelve countries, namely Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the US, Vietnam and Malaysia, concluded the TPP negotiations in Atlanta on October 5 last year.

The TPP is a free trade agreement that has been negotiated by the US, Malaysia and 10 other nations as part of the larger Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership since 2010.