The survey by Politweet done on 600 Twitter users in Malaysia found that 7.5 per cent of them opposed the TPP for “Islamic reasons” and believe the agreement would lead to an influx of “foreign culture” that could “corrupt” the understanding of Islam here. — Picture by Choo Choy May

KUALA LUMPUR, April 10 — Some Muslims opposed to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement for fear it will nullify Islamic laws in the country and lead to a proliferation of vices, a study by social media research firm PoliTweet has shown.

The survey by Politweet done between January 18 and February 8 this year on 600 Twitter users in Malaysia found that 7.5 per cent of them opposed the TPP for “Islamic reasons” and believe the agreement would lead to an influx of “foreign culture” that could “corrupt” the understanding of Islam here.

These Twitter users believed that Islamic laws will no longer apply under the TPP, and viewed the trade deal as un-Islamic as it supports liberal capitalism practised in Western countries.

Politweet said in a statement accompanying its findings that those polled “believed the Halal certification and logo would be removed. This would make it easier for non-halal products to come in and harder for Muslims to be protect themselves.

“This would affect prohibitions on alcohol; prostitution; pornography; gambling; restriction on sales of bibles; closure of restaurants during fasting month; limitations on pig farm locations; and the freedom to attend Friday prayers.”

The Politweet survey comprised young people aged between 18 and 30 years old, about 86 per cent of whom were Bahasa Malaysia speakers. About 9 per cent were English speakers.

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.

After the TPP’s signing last 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. But International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed has said that the treaty may not work out if Donald Trump, who is against the TPP, becomes the next US president and pulls the superpower out of the deal.