- Prime Minister urges cautious evaluation before advancing proposed US-Malaysia bilateral trade agreement.
- Government prioritizes protecting domestic industries, economic sovereignty, and long-term national interests.
- Malaysia seeks balanced global partnerships while maintaining strong ASEAN regional economic ties.
The Prime Minister of Malaysia shows caution towards the US trade agreement because he wants to evaluate all details before making any decision.
The Prime Minister recognizes economic advantages from the agreement yet he emphasizes that any deal must protect Malaysia's future interests in trade balance and domestic industry development and regional partnership growth.
The message appeared during discussions about developing Malaysia's trade and technology and investment ties with the United States.
The Prime Minister explained that the government wants to improve its economic relationship with the US but requires complete evaluation of how this relationship will affect local businesses and the entire Malaysian economy.
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The process will require multiple sector consultations to protect the country's economic sovereignty and national interests during the negotiation process.
Malaysia needs to monitor two things: trade imbalances and the possibility of foreign dependency which might develop from these agreements.
Malaysia has been developing its international trade ties through its current efforts to expand trade relationships with other countries because of changing international political circumstances.
Malaysia aims to achieve equilibrium between its efforts to build relations with major powers such as the United States and its goal to maintain strong economic links with ASEAN countries.
The Prime Minister uses a cautious approach because he wants to make decisions that will provide the country with sustainable growth and advantages that will last for many years.