PM slams trade deal critics, says they don't understand its contents

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has slammed the opposition for criticising the Malaysia-US trade deal without understanding the contents of the document.

Anwar said their action of making reckless comments without a solid basis and in-depth understanding of the issue only reflects the low level of political discourse in the country, in addition to not being knowledgeable.

“Sometimes, our colleagues in Parliament, when there is an agreement with the US, will immediately say we have given in, we have been colonised.

“Have you read (the document) or not? Do you understand it? That’s the problem… the level of political debate is poor,” he said in his speech at the Festival of Ideas (FOI) 2025 closing ceremony yesterday.

Also present at the event were Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa and Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

Evaluate deal properly

Malaysia and the US signed the agreement on Oct 26 during the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur.

The trade deal, proposed by Washington, sought to renegotiate tariffs imposed on Malaysia, reducing them from 25 percent to 19 percent under Executive Order 14257, issued by US President Donald Trump on April 2.

US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

Anwar said political leaders should evaluate any policy or agreement based on its benefits to the people and the country, not by sowing sentiments of hatred or misleading prejudices.

He also stressed that Malaysia take advantage of trade research relations with foreign countries wisely to strengthen its economic and academic standing.

“The recent Asean Summit showed that all countries are keen to invest, increase trade, research and university collaboration. This shows growing confidence in Malaysia,” he said.

Cultivate new ideas

In his speech, Anwar also urged the younger generation, especially university students, to be pioneers in cultivating fresh ideas rooted in the values of truth, justice and humanity.

“We have been independent for nearly seven decades, but some still remain trapped in an outdated and ‘jumud’ (rigid) mindset, insulting other races and belittling our own culture.

“I want our younger generation to explore new ideas that elevate the dignity of our people and country,” he emphasised.

Anwar also praised today’s student leaders for being more civilised and fact-based in their reasoning, compared to some MPs who often debate without a solid basis.

The Tambun MP added that this difference proves that the younger generation is increasingly wiser and bolder in expressing views that are thoughtful and ethical.

Anwar also stressed that the fight against corruption and national leakage of national revenue continues to be strengthened by the government, with significant results emerging over the past two years, while questioning the attitude of a small group of leaders who are still inclined to defend the corrupt figures.

“Never before in history (has this been achieved). In two years, we have succeeded in curbing many smuggling, online gambling, leakage, and corruption cases. RM15.5 billion has been saved.

“Not a word has been heard from the opposition supporting this effort. In fact, some want to defend the major corrupt figures,” he said.

- Bernama