Some of the issues and arguments highlighted by opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim pertaining to Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations are not new, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said today.

"In fact, the issues are among concerns prioritised by Malaysian negotiators at the ongoing TPP negotiations," he said, referring to the media statement by Anwar on the TPP yesterday.

Among the issues are state-owned enterprises, small and medium enterprises, investor-state dispute settlement and affordable healthcare.

"Our stand on these issues is based on inputs and feedback gathered from various local stakeholders via a number of consultation and engagement sessions," he said in a statement.

Mustapa reiterated that Malaysia will not rush into signing the TPP Agreement (TPPA) until "it is convinced that on balance the benefits outweigh the costs."

"The government will assure the Malaysian public that advancing national interest and safeguarding national sovereignty are our top priorities," he said.

Mustapa said the Malaysian TPP negotiation team is represented by senior government officials from various ministries and government agencies who are experts in their respective fields.

The negotiators are competent and experienced bureaucrats who have been successful in negotiating a number of multilateral and free trade agreements in recent years.

Going forward, Mustapa said the ministry has taken a serious note of public concerns on transparency and secrecy of the negotiations.

He said the government also welcomes the setting up of the bipartisan Parliamentary Caucus on TPPA.

The Caucus was in Kota Kinabalu last month during the 18th round of TPP negotiations and Caucus' presence is welcome during the 19th round of TPP negotiations which will take place in Brunei from Aug 22 to Aug 30, 2013, he said.

The Minister said his ministry will continue to engage with the Caucus to receive feedback and inputs and noted that "interactions with the Caucus thus far have been constructive."

Mustapa also emphasised that Malaysia's involvement in the TPP negotiations does not take away the commitment and priority towards Asean.

"China not being part of TPPA does not in any way diminish its importance as a significant trading partner," he added.

The TPP negotiations are still in progress and the ministry welcomes further inputs from the Malaysian public.

Following the fruitful Open Day on TPPA held on Aug 1, the ministry is planning to have similar engagements in the near future before the TPP negotiations are concluded.