Anwar: Malaysia’s trade pact with US fully complies with Federal Constitution

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said Malaysia’s Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with the United States does not contain any provisions that contravene the Federal Constitution.

Anwar said this in response to a supplementary question from Kota Bharu MP Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan regarding whether the ART had been reviewed by the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) before it was signed.

“Several decisions made during Cabinet meetings were fine-tuned after obtaining input from the AGC, that is how things work.

“From start to finish, the Cabinet conducted a thorough review because we are fully aware of the implications. I would like to stress that, regarding domestic laws and international agreements, the AGC has a vital role because we do not want to sign anything that contravenes our laws or Constitution,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat here.

In statement issued earlier, the AGC said Malaysia has the right to terminate its ART with the United States at any time through written notice without requiring the consent of the US.

The AGC said that this is provided for under Article 7.5 of the ART, which also emphasises that all protections under the agreement are intended to defend and preserve Malaysia’s sovereignty and protect the country’s interests at all times.

Malaysia and the US signed the ART on October 26 during the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur.

The agreement is a US proposal to renegotiate tariffs on Malaysia from 25 per cent to 19 per cent, under Executive Order 14257 issued by US President Donald Trump on April 2, 2025.