The Malaysian government has been forced to defend a new trade deal with the US after opposition politicians, analysts and one-sided “one sided” and compromise the country’s sovereignty.
Investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz called the trade deal “the best possible outcome for Malaysia.”
“This is the geopolitical reality we face as a free trading country engaging with the world’s largest economic power, which is also our largest trading partner,” Aziz said.
Among the critics of the agreement is the former Minister of Malaysia Maphir Mohamad – one of the biggest leaders in the service of the country to “Give up” the country’s independence.
“We agreed to buy their planes, gas and engines, follow their digital rules, that they have the first bite of our ministers and follow their terms with our terms men and not do business with the Prime Minister of Anwar Minister Anwars Ibrahim.
Signed during Donald Trump’s visit to Kuala Lumpur last week, the deal will see tariffs on Malaysian products at 19%, except for a list of items that will receive a zero percent tariff rate.
The government hailed the agreement as a victory for attracting higher investment and expanding trade in the US.
But the public discourse centered on an article of the Agreement published by the White House, which said that Malaysia should adapt itself to economic matters or sanctions of a third country.
Opposition politician Azmin Azmin claimed that the clause means that if “Washington decides to block imports from China or Russia, the same must be done in our economy.”
Azmin, a former international trade and industry minister, said Malaysia would be forced to get involved in other people’s conflicts and destroy “the neutrality that has long been our strength.”
Politicians from across the political spectrum, including some members of Parliament in Anwar Ibrahim’s Ruling Coalition, as well as analysts and social groups have also expressed concerns.
Elina Noor, Senior Fellow of the ASIA Program at the Carnegie Endowment for international peace, told the Guardian, she agreed with Mehathir that the agreement was a violation of the provisions of the constitution.
“With this agreement with the US, Malaysia needs to work more to ensure that it is not swayed by other countries, which also do not fall asleep in the long-term, strategic alignment against its own interests.”
Malaysia’s Center to Prevent Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Center) released a statement expressing concerns over the red-handed takeover laws.
“It gives us the right to decide things,” said Pushpan Murugiah, the Chief Executive Officer of the C. Center Center.
“There are some clauses that mandate that if we take actions that affect our interests, we must first ask for permission.”
The investment, trade and industry ministry quickly created a Microsite and release a 15-page frequently asked questions (FAQ) to address concerns. The chief adviser to the Government of Malaysia also said to terminate the agreement unilaterally at any time.
A special parliamentary committee is scheduled to review the bilateral agreement next week.