PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed renewed calls for his resignation following criticism from former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad over Malaysia’s Reciprocal Trade Agreement (ART) with the United States, insisting the deal does not compromise the nation’s sovereignty or contravene the Federal Constitution.
Speaking during the Prime Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday, Anwar appeared visibly frustrated by repeated demands for him to step down.
“This is not a matter of surrender, or betrayal, or a new form of colonisation… Do you want me to resign again? How many times must I step down? Enough already,” he said.
While Anwar did not name Mahathir directly, his remarks followed a joint statement by the veteran leader, together with several non-governmental organisations and opposition-aligned groups, rejecting the Malaysia–US trade pact.
The coalition alleged that the government’s assurances, particularly concerning an “exit clause”, were misleading and failed to shield Malaysia from what they described as an economic “trap”.
Mahathir went further, suggesting the only real “exit clause” available was for Anwar and his Cabinet to resign.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, defended the agreement, stating that it upholds Malaysia’s legal framework and was thoroughly reviewed by the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) to ensure consistency with national law.
“The Reciprocal Trade Agreement contains no provisions that contradict the spirit or articles of the Federal Constitution,” he said. “The AGC plays a crucial role in reviewing any national agreement, including this one, to ensure full legal compliance.”
He explained that while the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) led the negotiations, other agencies such as the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and the Ministry of Agriculture were also involved, with the AGC overseeing the legal scope.
“Decisions made in Cabinet are refined after input from the Attorney General’s Chambers. That is how we work. Even in the final stages, the AGC’s opinion is essential,” Anwar told the House in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN–Kota Bharu).
Malaysia and the United States signed the ART on 26 October during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
The agreement, proposed by Washington, seeks to revise tariffs imposed on Malaysian goods from 25 per cent to 19 per cent under Executive Order 14257 issued by President Donald Trump on 2 April 2025.
Anwar assured Parliament that the deal protects Bumiputera interests and that any enforcement actions will remain subject to Malaysia’s domestic laws.
“I must emphasise one key provision — Section 5, Economic and National Security. Some have claimed that sovereignty is not mentioned, but the clause on national security is comprehensive. It binds all other provisions,” he said.
“If we determine that any aspect threatens our national security, we are not obliged to accept it. The agreement is built on mutual trust and shared commitment to strengthen bilateral relations.”
Responding to a query from Sim Tze Tzin (PH–Bayan Baru) regarding opposition attempts to politicise the issue, Anwar urged all parties to base their discussions on verified information.
“I do not seek praise, but to be cursed in the name of religion is intolerable, because they ignore facts,” he said.
“We used the opportunity of President Trump’s attendance at the ASEAN Summit to speak openly about Gaza — not once, but three times.
“We called for a comprehensive solution, not merely a point-by-point consensus. I have done my utmost to defend the cause of Gaza and Palestine.”
Addressing Ku Abdul Rahman Ku Ismail (PN–Kubang Pasu), Anwar also emphasised that Malaysia’s engagement with Washington forms part of a wider ASEAN strategy rather than a unilateral alignment.
“The issue of trade negotiations involves not just Malaysia but the entire ASEAN region. Even China, as a global economic powerhouse, continues to negotiate tariffs with the United States. We are not excluded from such processes,” he said.
He added Kuala Lumpur’s recent role as a venue for discussions between Chinese and American representatives ahead of the high-level summit between Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping.
“That shows Malaysia’s contribution and relevance in facilitating international dialogue,” Anwar added. - November 4, 2025
