PAS wants the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) to be voted on in a referendum instead of being decided in Parliament.

"PAS proposes a people's referendum for the government to seek a mandate on whether to sign the agreement or not," PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said in a statement today.

Tuan Ibrahim said this was because the agreement would have far-reaching consequences and should not be solely decided by BN lawmakers.

A special Parliament sitting will take place from Jan 26 to 28 to decide on the TPPA but the agreement is expected to be passed with BN's strong majority in the House.

"The move to allow MPs to debate and voice out their views on the TPPA at the end of this month is positive, but PAS feels that this is a mere charade to show that the government is still listening to the people.

"But the fact is that BN MPs have already been instructed from above to vote in favour of the TPPA," he said.

Tuan Ibrahim said among the main concerns surrounding TPPA were the possible increase in the cost of medicines and the possibility of foreign companies pressuring local enterprises.

He added that the anti-TPPA rally set for Jan 23 signified the rakyat's concern at Putrajaya's determination to push through with the agreement at their expense.

"The rally will demand that the government consider the rakyat's opposition to the TPPA," he said.

PAS is expected to participate in the protest set to take place in Kuala Lumpur.