Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has claimed that the Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim-led government has violated the Federal Constitution following the signing of a reciprocal trade agreement with the United States without the approval of Parliament.
According to the former prime minister, any international agreement that potentially conflicts with the Constitution must be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat for approval by a two-thirds majority before being signed.
Mahathir claimed that the agreement violated Article 153 which touches on the special position of the Malays as well as several other provisions in the Constitution.
He also announced a joint resolution between several political parties including Berjasa, Urimai and Parti Rakyat Malaysia as well as several NGOs to reject the agreement.
Criticism of the agreement has focused on Article 5.1 which obliges Malaysia to take parallel trade action with the US when Washington imposes tariffs or sanctions on a third country for economic or security reasons.
Opponents fear that the clause could undermine Malaysia's sovereignty over trade policy.
However, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz insisted that the agreement was flexible and negotiable to address mutual security issues.
Prime Minister Anwar insisted that there was an exit clause that would allow Malaysia to withdraw if necessary, but Mahathir dismissed the argument as mere excuses.
