THE rights of Bumiputera businesses have been maintained as a protected “red line” throughout negotiations on the Malaysia-US Reciprocal Trade Agreement (ART), Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz emphasised today.
Speaking to reporters following a briefing to the Special Parliamentary Caucus on the ART, Tengku Zafrul categorically denied that the trade deal grants US companies Bumiputera status.
“I challenge those who claim otherwise to point out the specific clause that supposedly gives US companies Bumiputera status in the ART,” he said.
Tengku Zafrul also rejected suggestions that the ART compromises Malaysia’s sovereignty.
He highlighted that both governments are committed to upholding sovereignty, promoting economic prosperity, and ensuring resilient supply chains within the framework of the agreement.
“This means both governments are committed to safeguarding their respective sovereignty, grounded in a strong and enduring bilateral economic relationship. Therefore, when reading the clauses of this agreement, one must consider the context of sovereignty enforcement,” he explained.
The minister urged caution against interpreting the agreement selectively.
“That is why it is important not to read the agreement in fragments; it must be understood as a whole,” Tengku Zafrul added, reaffirming the government’s stance that the ART fully respects Malaysia’s legal and economic prerogatives. - November 27, 2025
