KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 — The discussion on Malaysia’s Reciprocal Agreement (ART) with the United States prompted concern in Parliament today, as Datuk Ahmad Amzad Hashim (Kuala Terengganu) cautioned against any arrangement that could compromise the country’s autonomy.
During his interjection in Datuk Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh’s (Besut) debate, Ahmad Amzad noted the repeated emphasis on consulting the U.S. government before making policy decisions.
“If every matter requires consultation with America, are we not returning to the times when British Residents dictated our affairs?” he remarked.
He called for the government to explain in detail the agreement’s exit clause and how it differs from the termination clause, emphasizing that the consequences of withdrawal must be transparent.
Ahmad Amzad concluded by reminding the government that Malaysia’s independence and decision-making sovereignty must never be compromised under any foreign agreement.