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IF THERE is one issue that will hog the headlines indefinitely, it is the trade deal inked between Malaysia and the US.
The document – the so- called Agreement on Reciprocal Trade a.k.a., ART – was derisively dismissed as soon as the details were revealed.
Critics gleefully poured scorn on the pact signed by US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the recently concluded 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
The one common theme running through all the complaints and condemnations is that Malaysia has sold its sovereignty to America which is akin to selling one’s soul to the Great Devil.
If the deal had been just a simple goal to strengthen economic relationship, no controversy would have arisen.
But when it emerged that certain clauses were seen as detrimental to Malaysia’s interest, Anwar caught heavy flak for putting his signature on the printed line.
‘Willing buyer, willing seller’
The question arises: did Malaysia sign the deal blind-folded? Unlikely. US ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D Kagan had pointed out that Malaysia had willingly entered into the agreement.
It follows that the PMX is fully aware of all the clauses grafted into the pact with all the ramifications that it entails.
His line of reasoning is simple: Malaysia needs “strong investment and trade with the US”.
But was the opposition consulted for its input on the matter? Apparently, opposition leaders were not invited to give their views.
According to Perikatan Nasional (PN) MP Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin, the opposition was not given a peep of an opportunity to discuss the trade deal before it was finalised.
The Putrajaya lawmaker claimed that the Madani government by right should have called some members of the opposition for a meeting as a caucus had been formed in May specifically for this purpose.
A caucus is where members of the legislative body – Parliament – including from opposition parties will hold a conference to deliberate on a particular subject matter of great importance.
Radzi who is also the Bersatu vice-president further claimed that the opposition had submitted names to be included in the caucus but not a single meeting was called to thrash out this serious issue.
Exit clause
Maybe, the Madani (civil and trustworthy) government thought that it is prudent to keep the opposition out because it knows that all those controversial clauses would come under heavy fire and possibly result in the whole trade deal being scuppered.
Nevertheless, the opposition will not let the matter rest as this issue will provide fresh ammunition in the forthcoming 16th General Election (GE16) battle.
In the months to come, the whole narrative will be twisted, distorted and manipulated in such a way that voters will come to readily believe that we are no more in control of our destiny.
Spin masters like PAS may even use religious rhetoric to press home the point that the Malay electorate will lose all their rights and privileges once our sovereignty is bargained away.
Perennial rabble-rousers like twice former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad will go to town with the story of Malaysia losing its independence and economic freedom to a superpower.
There is even talk of taking legal action to challenge or nullify the trade agreement under the guise of defending the sovereign rights of the nation.
All these dissident voices are advertising themselves as heroes or champions or saviours who want a bit of the action in the fight for independence again.
Malaysia broke the yoke of British colonialism to gain independence in1957 and now another power is seen threatening to curb the authority of the country to govern itself with this “lopsided” treaty.
Once again, the shrill call went out: unite and oppose neo-colonialism. Perhaps, Dr Mahathir, expert at saving the country, will lead the charge with a new tagline: “Save Malaysia from America”.
As it is, PMX has at least two years to weather the storm and convince Malaysians at large that the trade agreement is for the good of the country and that we are the undisputed masters in our own house.
Anwar must prove the doomsayers wrong and silence their vociferous opposition so that the US-Malaysia trade deal can stay the course.
But if things do not work out well in an increasingly unstable world – if relationship with the US turns acrimonious and untenable – then Malaysia can always pick up the document, kiss it good-bye and send it back to the White House. – Nov 4, 2025
Phlip Rodrigues is a retired journalist.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
The post Save Malaysia from America: PMX must swiftly prove doomsayers wrong to rescue trade deal first appeared on Focus Malaysia.
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