KUALA LUMPUR: Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo hit back at an opposition member of Parliament over repeated questions suggesting that Malaysia’s sovereignty was being compromised by its reciprocal trade deal with the United States.
During the Ministers’ Question Time, Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN–Pasir Mas) asked whether the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with the US would compromise Malaysia’s digital sovereignty and reduce the country to “just an algorithms lab for Silicon Valley companies”.
“YB, when I look at this agreement, there isn’t a single clause that guarantees technology transfer, AI capacity-building, or the development of local talent in the field of artificial intelligence.
“What it does, instead, is allow these giant multinational corporations to sweep up all the profits without being obliged to ensure local talent is developed.
“My question is, does the government really want our country, as an AI nation by 2030, to face these constraints under the ART agreement? Does this give away the key to our digital sovereignty and reduce Malaysia to being merely an algorithms lab for Silicon Valley companies?” he asked in a supplementary question.
Gobind shot back: “Pasir Mas, please, I ask you to read the related articles in the agreement carefully.
“‘Agreement’ is not the same as ‘consult’. That is such a basic word. I don’t understand why you lot on the other side don’t seem to grasp such a basic concept.”
Earlier, Gobind had responded to a question from Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen (PH–Bandar Kuching), who asked him to outline Malaysia’s plans to realise its aspiration of becoming an artificial intelligence (AI) nation by 2030.
“Read the document carefully. We understand that yes, we (the government) are running Malaysia. We understand sovereignty.
“The Cabinet has discussed the agreement multiple times and examined all aspects.
“The question I addressed today was about the Asean AI Safety Network (Asean AI Safe) and discussions I had with other Asean digital ministers.
“Yes, there were discussions, but the way you framed your question made it sound as if there were none. What are you talking about? Don’t you understand at all?” he said.
Gobind went on to say: “Every year, at the Asean level, we hold discussions in the best interest of the region.
“I agree with Tambun (the prime minister) — enough is enough. Politics has its limits. We want to do the best for the country. Read the document carefully.
“Ask more intelligent questions — I can answer them. But to repeat the same thing over and over again… until when?
“Let us build this country together. Yet, I find those on the other side unwilling to accept that the terms of the agreement clearly state it does not restrict our sovereignty or hand it over to anyone.”
The Asean AI Safety Network (Asean AI Safe) is a regional mechanism led by Malaysia. Established through the region’s digital ministries, its headquarters will be based in Kuala Lumpur.
The network will coordinate efforts to strengthen regional capacity, foster collaboration, promote AI safety research, and support the safe adoption of AI across Southeast Asia.
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