KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 — The Dewan Rakyat session turned tense today after Besut MP Datuk Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh raised concerns over the Reciprocal Trade Agreement (ART) between Malaysia and the United States, warning it could erode national sovereignty and constrain the government’s policy powers.
He questioned why the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) only issued a statement on the agreement nine days after it was signed, describing it as incomplete and limited to the termination clause.
“Many people — including in the government — are worried this deal could compromise our sovereignty,” he said, adding that the ART also contains clauses that could restrict government aid to entities such as MARA, PETRONAS, and FELDA, which are vital to Bumiputera development.
Responding to an interjection from Kuala Terengganu MP, Che Zulkifly said the exit clause must be examined carefully to avoid Malaysia being exposed to legal or financial repercussions.
The debate intensified when he criticised the appointment of Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng as Honorary Chairman of the ASEAN-China Association for the Promotion of Industrial Cooperation and Development, despite facing ongoing court proceedings.
His remarks prompted a protest from Jelutong MP, who argued the issue should not be raised in Parliament. Che Zulkifly, however, refused to withdraw his statement.
“I only mentioned that he’s been charged — I didn’t discuss case facts,” he asserted, accusing certain members of the House of displaying double standards in their responses.