He was responding to PKR backbenchers Rafizi Ramli, Wong Chen and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who claimed the tariff deal was skewed in favour of the US. The MPs had also cited Liew saying that Malaysia had been “forced” into negotiations.
“The recommendations by the MPs’ for an RCI, for Malaysia to initiate renegotiations, and other similar proposals, are unnecessary as it stems from a lack of understanding of the terms of the ART and the broader context of international trade.
“Taking such steps would only inject uncertainty into our economy and market,” he said in a Facebook post.
Liew said the three MPs had selectively quoted him and taken his remarks out of context.
“This is a mischievous act that opens the door to interpretations which distort the substance of what was said.”
Liew said his original remarks at the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER) Business Conference were made while explaining the broader global trade environment, not Malaysia’s position in the ART talks.
He said his comments referred to the global situation after US president Donald Trump imposed sweeping tariffs in April, which compelled all major exporting nations, including China, Japan, and South Korea, as well as the European Union, to engage with the US.
“Malaysia was in the same situation. My point at the forum was that in the long run, Malaysia and other trading nations must grow domestic and regional demands, and to diversify trade so as to reduce dependency on the US market,” he said.
Liew also rejected claims that the ART undermines Malaysia’s sovereignty, saying the commitments in the deal include caveats such as compliance with domestic laws and action only where there are shared economic or security concerns.
He also said the ministry is always open to briefing MPs, but stressed that parliamentary oversight must be done in good faith.
“Painting a gloomy picture and sowing mistrust with half-truths do not help the public in understanding the actual contents of the agreement and the predicament faced by exporting nations.
“The government and Miti are clear-eyed. We are here to protect jobs and export markets which are currently dependent on the US market but we are also actively building domestic resilience, strengthening Asean economies, and diversifying trade relationships,” he said.