STUDY the entire dimension of the new trade agreement inked with the US before concluding if Malaysia is on the losing side of trade and economics, said DAP Legal Bureau head Ramkarpal Singh Deo.
He called for more research to warrant if Malaysia has lost its geo–political standing with US over the agreement which Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim inked with US President Donald Trump recently.
Critics, who have been lambasting the deal on grounds that it could compromise the country's sovereignty should take the effort to study the entire length of the agreement before reaching a conclusion, said the Bukit Gelugor MP.
Some quarters also indicated that the legislation needs to consider different law interpretations between the US Constitutional Law and Malaysia's Commonwealth Law.
In a frequently asked questions on the newly-signed Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), the Investment Trade and Industry Ministry reaffirmed that Malaysia is not required to follow US sanctions.
"Article 5.1 of the agreement provides that both parties must first hold discussions before taking any action if an issue involving shared security or economic interests arises.
"Malaysia remains free to make decisions based on its own laws, national policies and interests. Malaysia also does not need to amend existing laws to sign the ART, which proves that national sovereignty is not compromised," said the ministry.
"Without the ART, the risk of unilateral US action against Malaysia is higher. With the ART, trade relations are more stable and Malaysia's export sector operates in a clearer, certain and predictable environment," it added.
The ministry also explained that Malaysia retains its decision-making power based on its own laws, in reference to Article 5.2. – November 9, 2025
