PM ANWAR SLAMS ART CRITICS FOR FAILING TO UNDERSTAND TRADE DEAL

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 7 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has slammed the opposition for criticising the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) between Malaysia and the United States (US) without understanding the contents of the document.

Anwar said their action of making reckless comments without a solid basis and in-depth understanding of the issue only reflects the low level of political discourse in the country, in addition to not being knowledgeable.

"Sometimes, our colleagues in Parliament, when there is an agreement with the US, will immediately say we have given in, we have been colonised.

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"Have you read (the document) or not? Do you understand it? That's the problem… the level of political debate is poor,” he said in his speech at the Festival of Ideas (FOI) 2025 closing ceremony here today.

Also present at the event were Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

Malaysia and the US signed the ART on Oct 26 during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.

The trade deal, proposed by Washington, sought to renegotiate tariffs imposed on Malaysia, reducing them from 25 per cent to 19 per cent under Executive Order 14257, issued by President Donald Trump on April 2.

Anwar said political leaders should evaluate any policy or agreement based on its benefits to the people and the country, not by sowing sentiments of hatred or misleading prejudices.

He also stressed that Malaysia take advantage of trade research relations with foreign countries wisely to strengthen its economic and academic standing.

"The recent ASEAN Summit showed that all countries are keen to invest, increase trade, research and university collaboration. This shows growing confidence in Malaysia,” he said.

The Prime Minister, in his speech, also urged the younger generation, especially university students, to be pioneers in cultivating fresh ideas rooted in the values of truth, justice and humanity.

"We have been independent for nearly seven decades, but some still remain trapped in an outdated and jumud (rigid) mindset, insulting other races and belittling our own culture. I want our younger generation to explore new ideas that elevate the dignity of our people and country,” he emphasised.

The Prime Minister also praised today's student leaders for being more civilised and fact-based in their reasoning, compared to some Members of Parliament (MPs) who often debate without a solid basis, adding that this difference proves that the younger generation is increasingly wiser and bolder in expressing views that are thoughtful and ethical.

Anwar also stressed that the fight against corruption and national leakage of national revenue continues to be strengthened by the government, with significant results emerging over the past two years, while questioning the attitude of a small group of leaders who are still inclined to defend the major corrupt figures.

"Never before in history (has this been achieved). In two years, we have succeeded in curbing many smuggling, online gambling, leakage and corruption cases. RM15.5 billion has been saved. Not a word has been heard from the opposition supporting this effort. In fact, some want to defend the major corrupt figures,” he said.

-- BERNAMA