Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says claims the Malaysia-US trade agreement is detrimental are political, stressing negotiations require give and take.
GYEONGJU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today described claims that the Malaysia-United States Agreement on Reciprocal Trade harms the country as purely political.
Anwar stated that any negotiation requires give and take, particularly when involving major relationships and investments.
He affirmed that Malaysia continues to prioritise and uphold its honour throughout such agreements.
The Prime Minister noted that Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz has provided extensive and clear explanations about ART in Parliament.
“Hence, if we are going to argue over one or two words in the agreement which they object to, I say there’s no need for further explanation as it has been explained well by Tengku Zafrul again and again in Parliament.”
“If they choose to attack, it is a political matter,” he told reporters after the first day of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.
Anwar was responding to claims that ART represents an economic freedom surrender and contains detrimental provisions.
“This agreement is not the only agreement in the world.”
“All countries sign agreements, and we see the overall context as well as implications, and what leeway is available for us.”
“It’s not to avoid, but to seek leeway for alternative routes.”
“All agreements are like that,” Anwar explained.
He emphasised the undeniable importance of maintaining good relations with the United States.
“We have meetings with Donald Trump and with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, carefully discussing matters in detail including on semiconductors and rare earth minerals.”
“All these were discussed.”
“So it is a lie to say that we did this to surrender to the US,” he added.
Anwar reiterated that ART’s signing considered national interests and laws as key to Malaysia’s success.
“And to do that, we need patience and wisdom, not anger.”
“Not these continuous rancorous exchanges.”
“Did we compromise or concede on our position regarding Gaza? No.”
“Did I tell Trump to agree with everything? No.”
“We said we support phase one of the Gaza ceasefire plan, and we want a comprehensive solution,” he stated.
Addressing Malaysia’s global diplomacy approach amid US-China tensions and engagement with Brazil and South Africa, Anwar said decisions are based on national interest.
“How do you manage to navigate in a situation that is quite volatile in terms of the tension between the US and China?”
“How do you have the courage to get Brazil and South Africa into a forum together with President Donald Trump and the United States of America?”
“My response is that we decide based on our own Malaysian national interest,” he concluded. – Bernama
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