Malaysia said its sovereignty remains protected and sanctions imposed by the US don’t bind it, as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim faces criticism for a trade deal with the superpower.

“Malaysia remains free to make decisions based on its own laws, national policies, and interests,” the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry wrote in an FAQ on the trade agreement published late Monday.

“Malaysia also does not need to amend existing laws to sign the ART, which proves that national sovereignty is not compromised,” it added, referring to the reciprocal trade agreement by its acronym.

Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Monday urged Anwar and his cabinet to resign, saying the trade deal made Malaysia a vassal state bound to US interests. Lawmakers also questioned clauses allowing Washing

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