Stop Pr Spin And Call Trade Deal What It Truly Is Muda

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Muda urged Putrajaya to stop its public relations spin over the recent US trade deal and call it for what it really is - a market alignment deal, not true reciprocity.
While lauding Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s efforts in securing a more favourable trade agreement between Malaysia and the US, Federal Territories Muda secretary Andre Teow argued the deal has deep flaws.
“We commend the prime minister for securing tariff exemptions, and defending bumiputera policies and halal standards.
“But while parts of the deal are progressing, we must call out the deep flaws threatening Malaysian sovereignty.
ADS“Call this agreement what it really is - a market alignment deal, not true reciprocity. The rakyat must be told the truth, not PR spin,” he said in a statement today.
Not mutually beneficial
Teow claimed the agreement is not mutually beneficial as Malaysia had to slash tariffs on almost all American goods and accept its regulatory standards, while the US maintained its 19 percent tariff on Malaysian goods and granted exemptions only where it chooses.
He added that while Malaysia is bound by its commitments, the US enjoys more flexibility, with the ability to change course whenever Washington wishes.
Furthermore, Teow alleged that Article 5.1 of the agreement surrenders the nation's autonomy, restricting Malaysia’s ability to form its own foreign and economic policies without interference.
“If the US targets any other country for ‘national security,’ Malaysia is compelled to follow their sanctions, or face consequences.
“This clause undermines our ability to set independent foreign and economic policy, pressing Malaysia to take sides in conflicts not our own,” he claimed.
Article 5.1 underlines that if the US imposes any tariffs, quotas, prohibitions, or other trade measures against another country to protect the US’ economic and national security, Malaysia must take similar actions or agree on a timeline to do so.
Full parliamentary review
Muda demanded a full parliamentary review and transparency of the agreement and urged the government not to beat around the bush.
“There must be an open parliamentary debate of all annexes and schedules before implementation. Malaysians deserve to know exactly what is at stake.
“The government must also clarify exactly when and how Malaysia must comply with US decisions, and whether we can refuse if national interests are threatened,” Teow stated.
ADSWhile affirming that Muda is not anti-America, Teow stressed that a true partnership requires respect from both sides, rather than submission.
“We are not anti-American and support a mutual partnership. But true partnership requires respect, not subordination.
“Malaysia must remain master of her destiny, free to make her own choices in foreign and economic policy,” he reiterated.
Earlier today, Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz highlighted that Article 5.1 spells out that such measures in the clause are to “address a shared economic or national security concern”.
He claimed that Article 5.1 is only applicable if the matter concerns both the US and Malaysia's economic and national security.
Previously, former international trade minister Azmin Ali warned that the new Malaysia-US trade deal threatens the country’s ties with China, as the aforementioned clause would force Putrajaya to align with Washington against the latter’s economic enemies.- Mkini

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