Malaysia’s Anwar slams claims of surrendering sovereignty in US trade deal
The prime minister denies Malaysia will be forced to follow Washington’s lead on sanctions against third countries under the new deal
But critics and the opposition warned that a specific clause under the agreement would give the US power to compel Malaysia to follow its lead on sanctions against third countries, raising fears that Malaysia could be forced to take sides in Washington’s trade and tech war with Beijing.
Anwar hit back at his critics, saying that there was nothing in the agreement that prevented Malaysia from cooperating with any other party.
Instead, Malaysia could end the agreement as and when it saw fit to do so, he said.
“In this trade deal, we have exit clauses. Why did we sign it? Because we need American investments. I will not apologise for that,” Anwar told parliament during Prime Minister’s Question Time on Thursday.