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THE Opposition coalition has called for a special sitting of Parliament to examine the implications of the cancellation of the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) between the United States and Malaysia.
Perikatan Nasional said lawmakers should be formally briefed and allowed to debate the economic and policy consequences after the agreement was rendered inapplicable following a legal ruling in the United States.
The call was made by the coalition’s chief whip, Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, after Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani announced that the Reciprocal Trade Agreement signed in October last year was no longer in force.
The development follows a ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States which struck down much of the sweeping tariff measures introduced earlier by US President Donald Trump.
According to Takiyuddin, the decision raises serious questions regarding the status of previous negotiations and commitments made by the Malaysian government under the agreement, particularly in relation to export industries, the manufacturing sector, supply chains and investor policy certainty.
“The cancellation of the ART following legal developments in the US confirms the importance of a more cautious approach and thorough scrutiny before the country becomes bound by any international trade commitments.
“Therefore, PN urges the government to provide an immediate and comprehensive explanation regarding the actual status of the agreement, its economic and diplomatic implications for Malaysia, as well as the steps that have been and will be taken by the government to protect national interests.
“As this issue involves Malaysia’s trade interests and strategic economic relations with the US, PN is also of the view that the government should convene a Special Sitting of Parliament so that Members of Parliament can be given a full briefing and subsequently debate the implications of these latest developments openly and responsibly.
“This includes questions relating to the direction of Malaysia’s trade relations with the US, as well as fulfilling Parliament’s right to be informed of any commitments that may have been made or concessions granted during previous negotiations,” he said in a statement.
Johari had earlier explained that under the agreement Malaysia would have faced a tariff rate of 19 per cent, but for now the temporary tariff imposed on Malaysian goods stands at 10 per cent.
Takiyuddin added that policy clarity and investor confidence are increasingly critical at a time of rising uncertainty in global trade.
He said PN believes any major trade agreement with far-reaching implications for national economic policy and strategic interests must be handled with a high level of transparency and institutional scrutiny.
“This Special Sitting of Parliament is important not only to ensure government transparency and accountability but also to enable Parliament to play its rightful role in scrutinising the direction of national trade policy and the long-term interests of our economy.
“PN will continue to monitor developments closely and play a proactive role to ensure that Malaysia’s interests remain the priority in the government’s trade policy decisions,” he said. - March 16, 2026
