PN calls for special Dewan sitting over nullified US trade deal

2026-03-16 - 04:54

PN secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said the nullification of the ART showed the importance of thorough evaluation before entering into international trade commitments. PETALING JAYA: Perikatan Nasional has called for a special Dewan Rakyat sitting to discuss the nullified reciprocal trade agreement (ART) signed between Malaysia and the US. The opposition coalition said this development raised questions about the status of negotiations with the US as well as the commitments Putrajaya may have made to Washington. PN secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan also expressed concerns that the nullified deal could lead to implications on Malaysia’s export sectors and supply chains. “The nullification of the ART following legal developments in the US highlights the importance of a cautious approach and thorough evaluation before Malaysia enters into international trade commitments. “PN therefore urges the government to immediately provide a comprehensive explanation regarding the actual status of the agreement, its economic and diplomatic implications for Malaysia, and the measures being taken to safeguard national interests. “At a time of growing global trade uncertainty, clarity in policy direction and investor confidence in Malaysia are increasingly important,” he said in the statement. The Kota Bharu MP said a special parliamentary sitting will allow the government to brief MPs in detail as part of ensuring transparency and accountability. Yesterday, investment, trade and industry minister Johari Ghani confirmed that the ART with the US had been nullified after the US Supreme Court struck down the tariffs imposed by president Donald Trump. Trump and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim signed the trade deal in October, during the US president’s visit to Kuala Lumpur for the Asean summit. The deal maintained the 19% tariffs on Malaysian goods, but certain products enjoyed zero tariffs under aligned partner-trade lists. Following the Supreme Court’s decision, Trump since said he will impose global tariffs of 15% to replace the tariffs scrapped by the court, after he initially announced a 10% levy on all goods entering the US.