The Malaysia-US trade agreement will only take effect after both nations formally confirm completing their domestic ratification processes.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with the United States will only enter into force after the two countries exchange written notices.
According to the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, this exchange confirms the completion of all internal ratification processes.
Both nations must be ready to implement the pact before proceeding.
“Once the notification exchange process is complete, the ART will come into effect within 60 days or on another date mutually agreed upon by both parties,” MITI stated in a parliamentary reply.
The ministry was responding to a question from Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who sought clarification on the government’s position regarding renegotiating certain clauses.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Jan 20 that the agreement, signed last October, had not yet been implemented.
The government was still in negotiations and sought clear written assurances before proceeding.
MITI confirmed the government is conducting a comprehensive assessment of the ART clauses.
This review aims to ensure implementation aligns with the Federal Constitution, national development policies, and Malaysia’s other international commitments.
The assessment also considers domestic legislation and the country’s obligations under various international forums and existing free trade agreements.
