Malaysia-US trade deal one-sided, risky for nation, says lawyer

SHAH ALAM – Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) information chief Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali has raised concerns over the government’s approval of the Malaysia-United States (US) trade agreement, alleging that it heavily favours Washington and could jeopardise Malaysia’s interests.

He said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz confirmed that the agreement had been approved by the Cabinet.

“Yesterday, in a video statement, he claimed that many parties do not understand or have failed to fully read the agreement.

“However, Clause 5.1.1 is very clear and detailed, showing that Malaysia is bound by the conditions set by the US.

“Although there is room for negotiation, it still places Malaysia in a highly unequal position.

“In simple terms, we have already ‘sacrificed our pawn’, ready to be taken,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

Rafique who is also a lawyer questioned how the government’s negotiation team could have permitted such a clause to be included, effectively binding Malaysia to US terms.

He also highlighted that the agreement touched on rare earths, minerals and natural resources matters that fell under the State List of the Federal Constitution and were the property of the states under the authority of the Malay Rulers.

“Were the Conference of Rulers and the state governments consulted? It is true that the power to sign international agreements lies with the Federal Government, but the rights to state land and mineral resources cannot simply be disregarded,” he said.

Rafique also criticised Tengku Zafrul’s strong response to those who accused the government of compromising the nation’s sovereignty, after the minister stressed that “not an inch of land” would be lost and called it the government’s red line.

During the Ministerial Statement Session on the Malaysia-US Reciprocal Trade Agreement (ART) in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday, Tengku Zafrul said the signing of the agreement not only reduced Malaysia’s export tariff rates but also opened a new chapter in bilateral economic, investment and diplomatic ties.

He added that the deal brought multiple benefits to Malaysia, including upgrading bilateral relations between both countries to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.