Its minister, Tengku Zafrul Aziz, said the ministry welcomed feedback, but they must be “well-founded”.

“There have been many statements released, and some confusion may have arisen from reading them wrongly or misunderstanding them. What’s important is that we engage,” he said in an interview with Malaysian media on the sidelines of the Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting here yesterday.

Tengku Zafrul also said the trade deal has been “politicised”, with some people not viewing it objectively.

“We will continue to provide clarifications. That’s our duty, and I hope the public can judge for themselves because this involves priorities for many Malaysians,” he added.

Both Tengku Zafrul and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim have addressed the matter in Parliament on separate occasions this week, reiterating that Malaysia’s sovereignty and domestic policies, including Bumiputera rights, remain fully protected.

Opposition lawmakers, however, continue to question certain clauses in the deal and accuse Putrajaya of selling out the country in negotiations with Washington.

Anwar said yesterday that the continued criticism is politically motivated and stressed that the agreement aims to attract significant investments and trade.

Tengku Zafrul also emphasised that the trade deal negotiations were handled by a highly experienced team, noting that Malaysia has concluded 18 free trade agreements to date, including with South Korea, the European Union and the United Arab Emirates.

“We have looked at all risks and all aspects and ensured that this is the best deal for Malaysia. In any negotiation, you have to give some and take some,” he said.