PKR backbenchers urge government to clarify the ART trade agreement’s status, warning that uncertainty poses legal and political risks for Malaysia.
PETALING JAYA: PKR backbenchers have called on the government to urgently clarify the status of the Malaysia-United States Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), adding that uncertainty could expose the country to legal and political risks.
In a joint statement yesterday, the MPs said the entire process must be transparent.
“As we have previously urged (including in our media statement dated Feb 23), the ART process must be handled transparently,” they said, reiterating their call to suspend ratification until US tariff challenges are resolved.
The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry said the agreement became null and void following legal developments in the United States, rather than being formally terminated.
The MPs also said minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani’s latest announcement failed to address key questions, including whether Malaysia has formally written to Washington and if the United States has responded.
They urged Putrajaya to clarify both governments’ positions, adding that unresolved issues could invite differing interpretations, especially under a future US administration.
The MPs called on the ministry to issue a clearer statement reaffirming Malaysia’s commitment to active neutrality and free, fair trade.
The statement was signed by Subang MP Wong Chen, Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung, Balik Pulau MP Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik, Sungai Siput MP Kesavan Subramaniam, Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail and Wangsa Maju MP Zahir Hassan.