Malaysia Affirms Sovereignty: PM Anwar Ibrahim Says Country Has “Never Bowed to Foreign Powers” in Foreign Policy

Selangor, El Sky News – Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has firmly rejected claims that Malaysia surrendered its sovereignty in trade dealings with the United States, stating the nation remains “free, dignified and independent” when setting its foreign-policy agenda.

Speaking at an official event in Bangi, Selangor, Anwar addressed public concerns stemming from the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) signed between Malaysia and the US. Critics alleged that the deal placed Malaysia at a disadvantage and could compromise its policy autonomy.

“We are bound by our own laws and regulations. We have the right to review or give notice to terminate the agreement. If it’s true that we bow to the United States, then why did we sign an agreement with China?” Anwar said.

Key Points of the Statement

• The ART, signed on 26 October 2025 during the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, was intended to deepen Malaysia–US economic ties, with commitments to reduce tariffs and expand market access.
• Some Members of Parliament have called for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate whether the agreement undermines Malaysia’s sovereignty or was negotiated under unequal conditions.
• The Prime Minister clarified that the agreement includes an exit clause, and Malaysia retains the legal right to review or withdraw from it if national interest is at stake.
• Analysts say the move is also politically timed, ahead of the upcoming decision-making cycle and possible cabinet reshuffle, to reassure the public of Malaysia’s independence.

Anwar’s remarks are seen as a reaffirmation of Malaysia’s diplomatic stance amid global economic and geopolitical pressures. While the country seeks deeper engagement with major powers like the US, it also aims to maintain diverse relationships and avoid alignment that might compromise its strategic autonomy. The debate over the trade deal underscores worries about whether economic agreements increasingly factor in national security and foreign-policy strings, and what that means for Malaysia’s “middle-power” posture.