Digital minister Gobind Singh Deo today rebuked Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas) for claiming that the reciprocal trade agreement (ART) between Malaysia and the US had effectively handed over the nation’s “digital keys” to a foreign power.
Gobind urged the PAS lawmaker to study the contents of the agreement carefully before making such allegations, adding that he should ask more “intelligent” questions.
“I think that’s enough. I support Tambun (Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim), politics has its limits.
“We are trying to do what’s best for the country. So read the document thoroughly and ask smart questions. I can answer them,” he said during the minister’s question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat.
Fadhli had claimed that the ART lacked specific clauses to support artificial intelligence (AI) development in Malaysia. He also expressed concern that Malaysia might be bound to seek US approval before negotiating with other countries.
“Is the government truly committed to making Malaysia an AI-driven nation by 2030, when certain provisions in the ART seem to hand over our digital keys to another country and turn Malaysia into a testing ground?” he asked.
In response, Gobind said he was ready to meet Fadhli at any time to clarify the matter.
“We are the government of Malaysia now. We understand what sovereignty means,” he said.
Previously, opposition lawmakers had also raised concerns that the contents of the ART could compromise national sovereignty.
However, the Attorney-General’s Chambers gave its assurance that Malaysia’s sovereignty and national interests remained fully protected under the ART.
