Malaysia defends Trump trade deal after critics warn it will compromise country’s sovereignty

President Trump greeted by Malaysia’s prime minister hours before they signed a trade deal that has been controversial. Photograph: Malaysia Prime Minister’s Office/UPI/Shutterstock

Malaysia’s government has been forced to defend its new trade deal with the US after opposition politicians, analysts and civil society groups warned that the deal was “one-sided” and could compromise the country’s sovereignty.

Investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz has called the trade deal “the best possible outcome for Malaysia.”