KUALA LUMPUR: Any enforcement of the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with the United States cannot override the Federal Constitution or any domestic laws, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Responding to concerns raised by Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Baru), Anwar urged the Opposition lawmaker to read all the provisions of the agreement in full to avoid unnecessary misunderstanding.
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"The problem arises when we read selectively," he said during Prime Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Nov 4).
"If we only read certain parts, it will cause concern.
"That is why I referred to Articles 5.1 and 7.4. The key issue here is enforcement," he added.
Citing the text of the agreement, Anwar said that both parties are allowed to act in cases involving unfair trade practices, import surges, or to protect their respective economic or national security interests.
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"This is a binding clause for us. It clearly states 'or for other similar reasons, consistent with its domestic laws.'
"That is why we defend bumiputra interests and the issue of (halal) qualifications," he said.
Anwar stressed that no form of enforcement under the trade pact can override Malaysia's domestic legislation.
"Whatever the enforcement may be, it cannot go against our domestic laws," he added.
Takiyuddin had asked for clarification of a news report stating that Malaysia had no choice but to enter negotiations with the United States over the recent reciprocal trade agreement, as the discussions were driven by Washington's unilateral move, and the two sides were not on equal footing.