CLAIM THAT RECIPROCAL TRADE AGREEMENT HARMS THE COUNTRY IS POLITICAL IN NATURE - PM ANWAR

From Nor Baizura Basri

GYEONGJU (South Korea), Oct 31 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today described as “simply political” the claim by some quarters that the Malaysia-United States Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) is detrimental to the country.

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said there must be a give and take in any negotiations, especially when it involves major ties and investments.

Nonetheless, Malaysia still prioritises and upholds its honour, he said.

He pointed out that Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz has already given a lengthy and clear explanation on ART in Parliament.

“Hence, if we are going to argue over one or two words in the agreement which they (certain quarters) object to, I (say) there’s no need for further explanation (as) it has been explained well by Tengku Zafrul again and again in Parliament.

“If they choose to attack, it is a political matter,” he told reporters at the end of the first day of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting here today.

Anwar was responding to a question about the claim that ART represents the surrender of economic freedom and that it consists of various booby trap or time bomb provisions that can be detrimental to Malaysia in the future. 

“This agreement is not the only agreement in the world. All countries sign agreements, and we see the overall context as well as implications, and what leeway is available for us… It’s not (something) to avoid, but (to seek) leeway for alternative routes. All agreements are like that,” Anwar said.

He said there can be no denying the importance of maintaining good relations with the US.

“We have meetings with (US President) Donald Trump and with Chinese Premier Li Qiang , carefully discussing matters in detail including on semiconductors and rare earth minerals.

“All these were discussed. So it is a lie to say that we did this to surrender to the US,” he added.

Anwar also reiterated that the signing of ART took into consideration national interests and national laws, which are the thrusts to ensure the success of Malaysia.

"And to do that, we need patience and wisdom, not anger. Not these continuous rancorous exchanges.

“Did we compromise or concede on our position regarding Gaza? No. Did I tell Trump to agree with everything? No. We said we support phase one (of the Gaza ceasefire plan, and) we want a comprehensive solution,” he said.

Addressing Malaysia’s approach to global diplomacy, including tensions between the US and China, as well as engagement with Brazil and South Africa, Anwar said he navigates these challenges based on Malaysia’s national interests.

“How do you manage to navigate in a situation that is quite volatile in terms of the tension between the US and China? How do you have the courage to get Brazil and South Africa into a forum together with President Donald Trump and the United States of America?

“My response is that we decide based on our own -- Malaysian -- national interest,” he said.

-- BERNAMA