KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has defended former investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz over the signing of the Malaysia–United States Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART).
During Prime Minister’s Question Time, he said the initial decision made by Zafrul was in the national interest.
“We are a trading nation, and within the provisions of the agreement, we can safeguard our interests, including those that ensure the security and economic stability of the country.
“From my understanding, maintaining these provisions will not compromise national security or Malaysia’s economic interests.
“So, in my view, it is sufficient,” he added.
He was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Rosol Wahid (PH-Hulu Terengganu) who asked if the government will take action including towards Zafrul because the agreement was allegedly hastily signed and is invalid.
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