KUALA LUMPUR: The newly signed US-Malaysia reciprocal trade agreement includes an exit clause, the Dewan Rakyat heard.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the trade deal with the US is aimed at ensuring high investment and trade flows into Malaysia.
"This trade deal has exit clauses and the reason we need to sign the agreement is because we need investment from the US. We signed the deal because we need high investment and trade, and this is why I refused to be apologetic," he told the Lower House.
He was replying to a supplementary question from Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (Perikatan-Machang), who claimed that the clauses in the US-Malaysia trade deal had "tied" Malaysia and given the US more advantage.
Anwar said any government move to establish friendly ties with other countries is constantly criticised by various parties, even though it is meant for the betterment of the country.
"The reason is we need the investment. But to claim we have given up the country to the US, this happened previously when we were close to China; now that we are on good terms with the US, every move is being attacked.
"So which country should we have close ties with, Kelantan or Kedah? Even with those two states, I am friendly with.
"This is about the country. I am not young, but I am working hard to gain the attention of other countries to benefit Malaysia for a better future," he added.
