KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 21): Malaysia will clarify and redefine key terms before finalising the ratification of the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with the United States, amid concerns over sovereignty and national interests. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said earlier discussions on the deal focused mainly on economic aspects but lacked clear definitions, particularly regarding sovereignty and national interests. These are the issues we need to define clearly,” Johari told the Dewan Rakyat during oral questions on Wednesday. However, the agreement has faced criticism, particularly from right-wing groups, who argued it could undermine Malaysia’s economic sovereignty. Johari stressed that the issue is economic rather than political, but added that any trade discussions would not come at the expense of Malaysia’s sovereignty.
