Government-opposition Caucus, Stakeholders To Discuss ART Before Ratification -- Johari
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 21 (Bernama) -- A joint caucus involving key stakeholders, including the government and opposition, will be held to discuss the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) before its final ratification.
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the government is committed to holding the discussions to address any concerns, particularly those related to national sovereignty.
“This matter needs to be discussed openly and collectively, including at the parliamentary level, to ensure the country’s interests are safeguarded,” he said.
He was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (PN-Larut) on Malaysia’s position regarding the implementation of, and commitment to, the ART compared with Southeast Asian countries that have yet to sign or ratify the agreement, in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Johari noted that several provisions in the agreement still lack clear definitions, particularly those that could give rise to misunderstandings on issues of national sovereignty.
“Therefore, the ratification process will serve as an opportunity to redefine the true meaning of these provisions to prevent misinterpretation or misuse.
“The agreement is fundamentally economic and trade-oriented, not political, particularly in ensuring no discrimination against existing investors,” he added.
He emphasised that any final decision would only be made after comprehensive consultations, including through the promised caucus mechanism.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told the Dewan Rakyat that the Malaysia–United States ART, signed on Oct 26, 2025, during the 47th ASEAN Summit, has yet to be enforced, as the government is still in the negotiation phase and seeking clear written assurances.
Anwar said the implementation of the agreement’s provisions has not yet occurred, as there remains room for feedback, and no deadline for concluding the negotiations has been set so far.
-- BERNAMA