PUTRAJAYA: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has firmly denied allegations that Malaysia’s trade agreement with the United States compromises national sovereignty.
He emphasised that every trade agreement signed by the government undergoes comprehensive review and scrutiny by the Attorney-General’s Chambers to protect national interests.
“The Cabinet will never agree to any arrangement that compromises the country’s sovereignty,” he stated during the Communications Ministry’s Jasamu Dikenang 2025 event.
Fahmi stressed that accusations about sovereignty compromises are baseless and risk causing public confusion.
He recalled the loss of Pulau Batu Puteh as the only regrettable sovereignty challenge in recent memory.
The minister advised the public to verify information through official government channels rather than spreading unverified claims.
Malaysia and the United States signed a comprehensive agreement during the 47th ASEAN Summit to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.
This agreement provides greater market access for US industrial goods including chemicals, machinery, and electrical equipment.
Malaysia will also offer preferential access for American agricultural products such as dairy, horticultural produce, poultry and rice.
In return, the United States will maintain tariffs at 19% on Malaysian goods while offering zero percent rates on selected products.
Malaysia committed not to impose export bans or quotas on essential minerals and rare earth elements to the US.
Both countries will collaborate to ensure stability in expanding Malaysia’s production capacity through American company partnerships.
The 47th ASEAN Summit concluded Malaysia’s fifth chairmanship of the regional bloc since its establishment in 1967.
This summit marked the culmination of Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 before the Philippines assumes leadership in January 2026. – Bernama
