Minister Tengku Zafrul confirms Bumiputera rights were not compromised in Malaysia-US trade agreement, challenging critics to prove otherwise.
KUALA LUMPUR: Bumiputera rights remained a firm red line throughout negotiations on the Malaysia-United States Agreement on Reciprocal Tariffs.
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz confirmed those rights were not compromised in the pact.
“I challenge anyone making such claims to point to a clause that grants US companies Bumiputera status under the ART,” he told reporters after briefing Parliament’s Special Caucus.
He was responding to allegations that the agreement conferred Bumiputera status on American firms.
Tengku Zafrul also rejected suggestions that the ART undermined national sovereignty.
He said both governments underscored shared values including commitment to sovereignty, economic prosperity and resilient supply chains.
“This means both sides remain committed to upholding their respective sovereignty,” he added.
The minister emphasized that the agreement must be read in full rather than in isolation.
He stated every clause needs consideration in the context of maintaining each country’s sovereignty.
The briefing followed concerns about potential impacts on Bumiputera privileges under the trade agreement.
