KUALA LUMPUR: The statement issued by the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) regarding the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with the United States is not politically motivated, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the AGC’s views were sought and discussed repeatedly in Cabinet meetings before the government reached its decision on the matter.
“I want to state here that in Cabinet meetings, even previously, not just once, including the most recent one, the Attorney General’s views were sought and are necessary.
“There are no provisions that contradict the spirit or the articles of the Federal Constitution,” he said during Prime Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Nov 4).
He was responding to a supplementary question raised by Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Baru), who wanted to know the AGC’s legal opinion involving the ART with the US
On Nov 3, the AGC said that Malaysia has the right to terminate its ART with the US at any time through written notice without requiring the consent of the US.
Anwar said the AGC’s statement was made after a thorough legal review, and not to serve any political purpose.
“The statement issued by the Attorney General was made after careful examination.
“Please don’t call it political. It was based on a detailed legal assessment.
“What is political about that? If we were to ask him to issue a statement solely to defend the government, that would be political. But if it’s based on legal scrutiny, that is different,” he said.
Anwar added that the Cabinet had made several adjustments to its position after receiving input from the AGC.
“I am not trying to defend the Attorney General, but in several Cabinet meetings, we made changes after getting input from the AGC. That is how we work,” he said.
He said that while the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) led the trade negotiations, other agencies were also involved in specific areas.
“When it came to halal certification, Jakim was involved. For meat imports, the Agriculture Ministry participated. But in terms of overall legal matters, the AGC’s views were discussed at Cabinet level,” he said.
Anwar stressed that the Cabinet had scrutinised the agreement carefully and was fully aware of its implications.
“From the start to the end, the Cabinet examined it thoroughly. It was not an easy process, as ministers were aware of the implications,” he said.
He reiterated that the AGC plays an important role in ensuring that Malaysia does not sign any law or international agreement that goes against the spirit of the Federal Constitution or national legislation.
