Debate on improvements to the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) will continue until it is signed in 2018, said Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Razali Ibrahim.

He said the government was always listening to the views of the people on the TPPA and wanted it to be accepted by them as it was in their overall interest.

"Malaysia still has ample time to hear out the people's views before the TPPA is signed in 2018. Nevertheless, the special two-day Dewan Rakyat sitting to discuss the TPPA is very important," he told reporters after a dialogue on the TPPA with various NGOs here Tuesday.

The Dewan Rakyat sitting is scheduled for Jan 26 and 27.

Also present was Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club chairman Tan Sri Shahrir Samad.