Putrajaya has been urged not to participate in the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) negotiations until the US passes a bill designed to fast track the deal.

In making the call, Malay Economic Action Council (MTEM) said Putrajaya is currently wasting money by participating in negotiations while there are still uncertainties on the US side.

US president Barack Obama's trade promotion authority bill - which will pave way for him to negotiate international agreements that Congress can approve or disapprove but cannot amend or filibuster - was recently voted down by the Senate.

MTEM chief executive officer Mohd Nizam Mahsar said developments in the US had made it "stupid" for Malaysia to continue participating in the negotiations, which will be held in Guam on May 26.

International Trade and Industry deputy minister Hamim Samuri yesterday confirmed that Malaysia would participate in the trade talks despite what's happening in the US.

Trade talks are expected to conclude later this year.

Where's the cost-benefit analysis?

Nizam said Malaysian lawmakers should take heed of what their counterparts in Capitol Hill were doing.

"Regardless of whether they are from BN or Pakatan Rakyat, our MPs have not been vocal enough about protecting Malaysia from TPPA.

"As they meet on Monday for a fresh parliamentary session, MTEM calls on our MPs to make a stand on this issue.

"They should be bold to ask tough questions. They should say 'no' if there is a legitimate reason to do so," he told a press conference today.

Meanwhile, Nizam also urged the international trade and industries ministry to publicise the cost-benefit analysis on the TPPA.

"They promised to give us the report last June, only to change the deadline several times. If there's nothing wrong, why the hesitation?" he asked.

The TPPA is a deal sought by the Obama administration which would cover two-fifths of the world's economy and a third of global trade.

Countries involved in the agreement include Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam, and Malaysia.