Parliament Must Act To Save Malaysia’s Sovereignty

By Datuk Tengku Putra Haron Aminurrashid Jumat

Johor State Legislative Assemblyman, Kempas N47 (2013-2018)

1. The Malaysia–US reciprocal agreement was signed with such unseemly haste that Malaysians are still asking whether the Cabinet was pressured, confused, or simply dazzled by American charm. The whole affair resembled a redneck shotgun wedding in a barn minus the country music, but with the same level of regret the morning after.

2. Malaysians deserve transparency, accountability, and the assurance that any international deals safeguard national interests. Yet the government’s handling of this agreement prioritising speed over scrutiny, has left the rakyat wondering whose interest was truly protected that day.

3. Many citizens are now asking this crucial question: if the agreement appears one-sided and raises concerns about sovereignty, can the Parliament intervene? The answer is a resounding YES,  and not only can Parliament act, it has a duty to.

4. Contrary to the belief that the Executive holds absolute authority in foreign agreements, Malaysia’s parliamentary democracy gives the Dewan Rakyat significant power to stop, challenge, block, or force changes to treaties that harm the country’s interests. Parliament is not a spectator; it is a guardian.

5. Parliament has the constitutional and political muscle to demand withdrawal or amendment. Through a simple motion, MPs may instruct the government to renegotiate or exit a bad deal. Ignoring such a directive would place the government in open defiance of Parliament; a position no administration can survive.

6. The idea that “nothing can be done now that it is signed” is a myth. If MPs choose to grow a spine, they can table a motion instructing the government to renegotiate or withdraw. A parliamentary directive is not a friendly suggestion; it is a political command. A government that disobeys Parliament is a government begging for collapse.

7. It should be a straightforward procedure. The government sends a formal diplomatic notification to the US, announces its decision in Parliament, and begins renegotiation or termination. Other countries do this all the time. Malaysia need not behave like a timid tenant afraid of displeasing its landlord.

8. And, should the Executive attempt to bulldoze its way forward and disregard Parliament’s directive, MPs have the ultimate tool i.e, a vote of no confidence. Sovereignty is not a trivial matter; a government willing to compromise it does not deserve to govern.

9. As the heat rises, some ministers appear determined to defend the deal with impressive acrobatics and verbal gymnastics. The rakyat can smell desperation when a policy becomes indefensible and yet continues to receive official endorsement.

10. Most notably, the minister fronting the defence, Tengku Zafrul who finds himself in an awkward position. With his ministerial term coming to an end, one wonders why he is so eager to shield a policy that Malaysians view with deep suspicion. A lame-duck minister should avoid quacking too loudly, especially when waddling away from office soon.

11. Instead of performing verbal somersaults for Washington’s applause, he should spend his final days in office doing the honourable thing which is telling the Cabinet to slow down, re-examine the deal, and put Malaysia first. A dignified departure is better than clinging to a bad policy like a last-minute clearance sale.

12. While hustling through Sabah for votes to win the State, UMNO/BN cannot hide from the international predicament faced by our Nation today. The party must sternly dissent and defend Malaysia’s sovereignty before it’s too late. Staying quiet now is not neutrality. It’s surrender. UMNO/BN must stand against this one-sided agreement and show that Malaysian interests come first, not foreign agendas or political convenience.

13. Ultimately, the rakyat will remember which MPs stood up for Malaysia’s sovereignty and which ones folded. Parliament must now prove that it is not a rubber stamp, but the ultimate guardian of national interest.

14. ⁠Parliament must act now. Either defend Malaysia like a nation with a backbone, or kneel and let others rule us by remote control. Sovereignty is like chastity: once you give it away, you’ll never get it back.