Kuala lumpur: The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) has clarified that the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) does not include any provisions that allow external entities to override Malaysia's laws or domestic regulations. The ministry emphasized that all commitments under the agreement must adhere to the nation's legislative and administrative processes.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MITI reinforced that the ART does not compromise Malaysia's economic sovereignty or the protection of its domestic industries. This statement was part of a written response to the Dewan Rakyat, addressing concerns raised by Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) about the potential impact of the agreement on the country's economic independence and industry protection.

The government further clarified that the ART does not impose any mandatory commercial or investment obligations on Malaysia. Instead, it aims to facilitate export and investment opportunities through mutually advantageous mechanisms, while maintaining the autonomy of Malaysia's economic policies.

MITI also assured that the agreement does not interfere with bumiputera policies or grant undue advantages to American companies. Regarding the role of government-linked companies (GLCs), MITI confirmed that the ART does not restrict their involvement in national economic development. The government retains the authority to provide necessary support to enhance the domestic economy and improve citizens' welfare.

This clarification was in response to concerns from Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman (PN-Bachok) about the agreement's influence on domestic interests, including support for GLCs, bumiputera policies, digital tax collection, and the protection of local agriculture and fisheries industries, as well as the regulatory powers of strategic bodies.