Malaysia defends US trade deal as concerns grow over sovereignty

[KUALA LUMPUR] Malaysia said that its sovereignty remains protected and it is not bound by sanctions imposed by US, as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim faces criticism for a trade deal with the superpower.

“Malaysia remains free to make decisions based on its own laws, national policies, and interests,” the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry wrote in an FAQ on the trade agreement published late Monday (Nov 3).

“Malaysia also does not need to amend existing laws to sign the ART, which proves that national sovereignty is not compromised,” it added, referring to the reciprocal trade agreement by its acronym.

Former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad on Monday urged Anwar and his Cabinet to resign, saying the trade deal made Malaysia a vassal state bound to US interests. Lawmakers also questioned clauses allowing Washington to impose new tariffs and allegedly pressure Malaysia to align with its trade policy.

The trade ministry said that Malaysia would act only on issues involving shared economic or security interests with the US, and any move would follow discussions and a cost-benefit review.

Malaysia also has the unilateral right to end the trade agreement at any time, the Attorney General’s Chambers said in a separate statement late Monday. “All these protections are meant to defend and preserve Malaysia’s sovereignty and protect the country’s interests at all times,” it said. BLOOMBERG