Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo has criticised Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari for alleging that the reciprocal trade agreement (ART) with the United States surrenders Malaysia’s “digital keys” to a foreign power.
Gobind advised the PAS lawmaker to examine the agreement closely before raising such claims and to pose more thoughtful questions.
“I think that’s enough. I support Tambun (Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim); politics has its limits,” he said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat.
“We are trying to do what’s best for the country. So read the document thoroughly and ask smart questions. I can answer them,” Gobind added.
Fadhli had argued that the ART lacks clauses to boost artificial intelligence (AI) development in Malaysia.
He worried that the country might need US approval before dealing with other nations.
“Is the government truly committed to making Malaysia an AI-driven nation by 2030, when certain provisions in the ART seem to hand over our digital keys to another country and turn Malaysia into a testing ground?” Fadhli questioned.
Gobind offered to meet him anytime for clarification.
“We are the government of Malaysia now. We understand what sovereignty means,” he stressed.
Opposition MPs had earlier voiced fears that the ART might undermine national sovereignty.
The Attorney-General’s Chambers has assured that Malaysia’s sovereignty and interests are fully safeguarded under the agreement.
