Source By Azmin Ali

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: The Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) is anything but reciprocal. It is a surrender: Malaysia gives away too much control over its economy, while the United States keeps its freedom to decide what benefits its own industries. 

This deal limits Malaysia's right to make our own decisions, forcing us to follow US rules in trade, investment, and regulation. 

What is described as a "reciprocal partnership" is, in truth, the loss of our economic sovereignty and policy space.

One of the most damaging clauses is Article 5.1, which requires Malaysia to copy any U.S. trade restrictions or sanctions against other countries. 

If Washington decides to block imports from China or Russia, Malaysia must do the same, even if it harms our economy. 

This clause forces Malaysia to take sides in other people's conflicts and destroys the neutrality that has long been our strength. 

By aligning Malaysia's policies with US decisions, the agreement risks driving away investors who value Malaysia's role as a neutral and stable partner in this part of the world.

The ART also strips Malaysia of its ability to regulate its own markets. 

It forces our agencies to accept American standards for food, medicine, and vehicles, and it even weakens our halal certification system by recognising foreign certifiers.

On top of that, it bans Malaysia from taxing global tech firms or requiring them to store data locally, handing over control of our digital economy. 

The few short-term benefits are nothing compared to the long-term damage.

Implementing the ART would not make Malaysia stronger, it would mark the surrender of our sovereignty, our neutrality, and our economic future.

*Azmin Ali is the Secretary-General of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition.*