PUTRAJAYA: Official documents related to the Malaysia-United States Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) are now public accessible on the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry’s website, says Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
The Communications Minister said the documents can be viewed at www.miti.gov.my/ART, along with a comprehensive frequently asked questions section addressing key issues and public concerns over the agreement.
Fahmi, who is also government spokesperson, said the Cabinet had deliberated on the agreement during its meeting earlier on Friday (Nov 7).
“There is no issue as alleged by a particular Member of Parliament during the Prime Minister’s Question Time (at the Dewan Rakyat) on Tuesday (Nov 4). The matter has been thoroughly reviewed by the Cabinet,” he told reporters at his weekly press conference on Friday.
On Nov 4, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim assured the Dewan Rakyat that the agreement contains no provisions that contradict the Federal Constitution.
He added that the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) played a key role in vetting the agreement to ensure full compliance with Malaysian laws.
Malaysia and the United States signed the agreement on Oct 26 during US President Donald Trump‘s visit to Malaysia in conjunction with the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur.
The trade deal, proposed by Washington, seeks to renegotiate tariffs imposed on Malaysia, reducing them from 25% to 19% under Executive Order 14257 issued by Trump on April 2.
The Prime Minister also reiterated that the agreement upholds bumiputra interests and that any enforcement action would remain subject to Malaysia’s domestic laws. – Bernama
