Parliament Special Select Committee Hearing On Malaysia-US Trade Agreement On Nov 12

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- The Parliamentary Special Select Committee on International Relations and International Trade will convene a hearing session to examine the recently signed Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) between Malaysia and the United States (US) on Nov 12.

Its chairman Wong Chen (PH-Subang) said the purpose of the special hearing is to gain clarification and explanation from the government regarding the recent ART with the US, particularly in the context of Malaysia's commitments under multilateral trade agreements.

He said while parliament does not possess the authority to vote on trade agreements, it nonetheless has the duty to ensure the government's accountability in policy decisions it makes. 

bootstrap slideshow

“We intend to invite the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), the United States embassy and also eminent economists and representatives from trade chambers to provide their views and also to respond to questions," he said during a press conference at parliament today.

According to Wong, the committee will then relay its feedback and provide recommendations to the government once the hearing is completed.

“I think it is really important (to call the hearing) because we have to be clear as it will have an impact on our trade with other countries, like China in particular.

bootstrap slideshow

“To be fair, we are not making a judgement. Let us leave it to the experts to testify on Nov 12, and the recommendations we make will give an opportunity for the government to make amendments if need be, and if the Americans agree,” he added.

The Parliamentary Special Select Committee on International Relations and International Trade consists of 12 Members of Parliament representing both the government and opposition blocs.

-- BERNAMA