A parliamentary committee will hold a hearing on the Malaysia-US trade agreement to seek clarification and provide recommendations to the government.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Parliamentary Special Select Committee on International Relations and International Trade will hold a hearing on November 12 to examine the recently signed Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) between Malaysia and the United States.
Committee chairman Wong Chen (PH-Subang) said the purpose is to gain clarification and explanation from the government regarding the ART, particularly in the context of Malaysia’s commitments under multilateral trade agreements.
He stated that while parliament does not have the authority to vote on trade agreements, it has a duty to ensure government accountability in policy decisions.
“We intend to invite the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), the United States embassy and also eminent economists and representatives from trade chambers to provide their views and also to respond to questions,” he said during a press conference at parliament today.
Wong added that the committee will relay its feedback and provide recommendations to the government once the hearing is completed.
He emphasised the importance of the hearing due to the potential impact on Malaysia’s trade with other countries, particularly China.
“To be fair, we are not making a judgement. Let us leave it to the experts to testify on Nov 12, and the recommendations we make will give an opportunity for the government to make amendments if need be, and if the Americans agree,” he added.
The committee consists of 12 Members of Parliament representing both the government and opposition blocs. – Bernama
