00:00The U.S. ambassador to Malaysia has dismissed claims that the reciprocal trade agreement between Washington and Pucca Jaya
00:07compromises Malaysia's sovereignty, saying it instead marks a deeper and more balanced partnership between the two nations.
00:15Ambassador Edgar D. Kagan said some of the provisions criticized by critics were normal,
00:21adding that if any concerns impact the interests of one party,
00:24both governments would be expected to raise the issue through proper diplomatic channels.
00:30Earlier today, Perikatan National Secretary-General Azmin Ali claimed that the Malaysia-U.S. reciprocal trade agreement undermined the country's economic sovereignty.
00:40The former International Trade and Industry Minister said the most damaging clauses of the agreement requires Malaysia to copy any U.S. trade restrictions or sanctions against other countries.
00:52Kagan, however, said the deal reflected a sovereign decision by Malaysia to strengthen its economic ties with the U.S.
01:00Under the agreement, Malaysia has committed to providing significant preferential market access for U.S. industrial goods exports,
01:07including chemicals, machinery and electrical equipment,
01:10while the U.S. will maintain a 19% reciprocal tariff on Malaysian goods,
01:16with certain products receiving a 0% tariff rate under a list of aligned partners.
01:21Pan Yudro, FMT.
01:23Pan Yudro, FMT.
Comments