KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 — The Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) between Malaysia and the United States contains no provisions that contradict the Federal Constitution, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, said the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) plays a crucial role in reviewing all national agreements, including the ART, to ensure they comply with Malaysian laws.
“The Cabinet’s discussions and decisions are often refined after receiving input from the AGC. That’s how we operate. Even in the final stages, the AGC’s review remains necessary.
“Yes, the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) leads the negotiations, but when the discussions involve halal matters, Jakim (Islamic Development Department) steps in; when they concern imports, the agriculture ministry is involved. Overall, the AGC oversees the legal scope discussed in Cabinet meetings,” Anwar explained during Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today, in reply to Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan’s (PN-Kota Bharu) query about whether the ART was reviewed by the AGC prior to the signing.
Malaysia and the US signed the ART on October 26 during the 47th Asean Summit here.
The agreement stemmed from a US proposal to renegotiate tariffs imposed on Malaysia, lowering them from 25 per cent to 19 per cent, under Executive Order 14257 issued by US President Donald Trump on April 2.
Anwar assured the ART not only safeguards Bumiputera interests but also ensures enforcement will never override Malaysia’s domestic laws.
“I want to highlight one key clause — Section 5 on Economic and National Security. Some have claimed it doesn’t mention sovereignty, but the emphasis on national security is not generic. The attorney-general has clarified that this clause is comprehensive and binds all other provisions.
“When national security concerns arise, Malaysia retains the right to act in its own interest. If any provision poses a threat to our national security, we are not obligated to accept it. The agreement is guided by principles of goodwill and a shared commitment to enhancing bilateral relations, and that is the spirit in which we engage,” he said.
In response to Sim Tze Tzin (Harapan-Bayan Baru) on the opposition’s alleged attempts to distort the ART issue, Anwar urged all parties to debate verified facts instead of emotion.
“I’m not asking for praise, but I hate when the issue or religion is used as a weapon to insult, especially when (the opposition) ignores the facts.
“When President Trump came for the Asean meetings, I took the opportunity to speak to him openly about Gaza. Not once, but three times.
“I didn’t talk about the 20-point consensus or Trump’s proposed resolution. I called for a comprehensive solution for Gaza because the issue needs one. I have done my utmost to defend the rights and interests of Gaza and Palestine,” Anwar affirmed.
